Lesser Yellowlegs? Baskett Slough NWR, Oregon (1 Viewer)

[notesfromtheroad]

Hi all, I saw this shorebird at Baskett Slough NWR, near Salem, Oregon on July 11.

It feels like a juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs to me, but I am not sure. In the binoculars view, it felt like there was a lot of cream-color on its head and neck, and the bill feels thicker than yellowlegs. Any thoughts? Thank you!

 

[Andy Adcock]

Maybe a Ruff?

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

When I saw this picture, I thought: its a Ruff, isnt it? But this would be a vagrant in the US. So I hope for others to jump in, you know I havent experience from the US

 

[rkj]

This is a puzzler. It does look rather like a juvenile, but of what? As far as I can tell, no species that would have a juvenile that might look like this should be breeding anywhere near Salem, Oregon. I also agree it looks rather like a Ruff. Perhaps those who have more experience with Ruff than do most of us in the U.S. can be of help. Could a molting Ruff look like this? Would a Ruff be molting in mid July?

 

[notesfromtheroad]

This is a puzzler. It does look rather like a juvenile, but of what? As far as I can tell, no species that would have a juvenile that might look like this should be breeding anywhere near Salem, Oregon. I also agree it looks rather like a Ruff. Perhaps those who have more experience with Ruff than do most of us in the U.S. can be of help. Could a molting Ruff look like this? Would a Ruff be molting in mid July?

Here are some more photos...I may add a few more after this. Thank you all for the replies.

 

[notesfromtheroad]

Here are two more photos...

 

[birdmeister]

It sure looks like a juvenile to me, but plumage and behavior (look at feeding posture in last image, "bird6.jpg") point to Wilson's Phalarope. Juveniles of this species will show those broad buff fringes to the upperparts.

 

[pete wragg]

Here are two more photos...

Never seen a pic of a really fresh Wilson’s Phalarope, but it seems to have the distinctive shape of one.?
edit. looks like birdmeister posted at same time

 

[rkj]

It sure looks like a juvenile to me, but plumage and behavior (look at feeding posture in last image, "bird6.jpg") point to Wilson's Phalarope. Juveniles of this species will show those broad buff fringes to the upperparts.

I had dismissed Wilson's Phalarope because I thought the bill was too short and thick. Looking at some pictures of juveniles online, I agree this is a good possibility.

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Yes, the new pictures confirm, that this isnt a Ruff. Exact streaking and colour of the back is unusual, as is unusual head pattern with such a wide pale eye-ring, that results in an open pale face.
Yes, this isnt helpful, I assume it has been identified already? Thanks to all!

 

[notesfromtheroad]

This was very helpful. Thanks everybody.