Plover, northern Gulf coast, Florida, USA (1 Viewer)

[dacol]

The attached photos were taken at the Phipps Preserve, on the northern Gulf coast of Florida. Many species of plovers were present: Semipalmated, Black-bellied, Wilson's, Piping and Snowy Plovers. The bird in the attached photos (left side of one photo and center of another) I first IDed as a Black-bellied Plover but had second thoughts about the ID. The bird seems a bit smaller, less bulky and proportionately long-legged than the other Black-bellied Plovers nearby. It also seems browner not as gray and white as the Black-bellied Plovers. Unfortunately I was quite far away from the bird and didn't have my scope with me so my views were not conclusive. I have only those not very good photos taken in very bright, mid-day sunlight. I am wondering whether it might be an American Golden Plover or, even, something else.

 

[bobsofpa]

The bird in the second photograph is a Black-belled Plover in nonbreeding plumage.

 

[dacol]

Thanks Bob.