Blackwater NWR, Maryland, USA 9th October (1 Viewer)

[gillian]

I hope you can help me. We saw these two birds at Blackwater yesterday. They were at a distance and there was a marked difference in size. We wondered if they are the two different yellowlegs? But I’m the first to admit we lack knowledge!
Thanks for reading

 

[tom baxter]

Both birds are Greater Yellowlegs. The bicolored bills have a very subtle upward curve which is typical of that species. Lesser Yellowlegs would have a shorter, straighter bill and they have a more delicate appearance, as they are a considerably smaller bird overall.

 

[rkj]

Both birds are Greater Yellowlegs. The bicolored bills have a very subtle upward curve which is typical of that species. Lesser Yellowlegs would have a shorter, straighter bill and they have a more delicate appearance, as they are a considerably smaller bird overall.

Agreed; the birds in your photo look to be different sizes mainly because one is seen side-on and the other at an angle pointing toward us.

 

[Butty]

I agree both greater yellowlegses. Bird at left does seem to have bill on the short side, and I always assume such birds are 1st-years.

 

[gillian]

Thank you all for those id’s. We are here visiting so not at all familiar with species here. I have a couple more I would love help with if possible.the wader was the same place and date as yellowlegs, the woodpecker was today at North point state park, Maryland
We thought it was a hairy woodpecker but it looked very speckled on the front and also seemed to have bars on tail.
Thank you for any help

 

[Butty]

1. Least sandpiper - short fine bill, yellowish legs.
2. Hairy woodpecker or downy woodpecker.
3-4. Yellow-bellied sapsucker.

 

[gillian]

1. Least sandpiper - short fine bill, yellowish legs.
2. Hairy woodpecker or downy woodpecker.
3-4. Yellow-bellied sapsucker.

Thank you

 

[Michael Long]

2. Is Downy I belive based upon these two articles
White Neck Patch
Red on Males

 

[Butty]

My memory of that feature is that it's not reliable (my vaguer-still memory is that even Sibley doesn't believe it any more?). Other memories/experiences may vary and/or be more reliable.