Sandpipers with orange on faces, Plum Island, Massachusetts, USA (1 Viewer)

[TKbird]

Hello,
I was on Plum Island a month or so ago and observed several White-rumped Sandpipers with orange near the bill (e.g. attached image). I can't find any mention of this in any identification guides.
Yesterday, I encountered photos someone else posted that show a Semipalmated Sandpiper with orange near the bill (mis-ID'd—I've let her know).

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ML371543061 - Semipalmated Plover - Macaulay Library

Macaulay Library ML371543061; © Cheryl McCue; Essex, Massachusetts, United States

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I would appreciate help understanding sandpipers with orange on their faces. Thanks! TKbird

 

[THE_FERN]

Likely staining from probing in iron-rich sediment, I suggest

 

[TKbird]

Interesting hypothesis!

 

[JWN Andrewes]

They've been eating wotsits. No, wait a minute, this is Stateside right? Cheetos then.

 

[Brian J Small]

first link in OP is not a Sanderling

B

 

[TKbird]

first link in OP is not a Sanderling

B

I've gotten in touch with Cheryl about that, don't worry.

 

[rkj]

Hello,
I was on Plum Island a month or so ago and observed several WRSAs with orange near the bill (e.g. attached image). I can't find any mention of this in any identification guides.
Yesterday, I encountered photos someone else posted that show a SESA with orange near the bill.

Media Search - Macaulay Library and eBird

Explore millions of photos, audio recordings, and videos of birds and other animals; powered by Macaulay Library and eBird. The Macaulay Library collects, archives, and distributes wildlife media for research, education, and conservation.

macaulaylibrary.org

ML371543061 - Semipalmated Plover - Macaulay Library

Macaulay Library ML371543061; © Cheryl McCue; Essex, Massachusetts, United States

macaulaylibrary.org

I would appreciate help understanding sandpipers with orange on their faces. Thanks! TKbird

I think you will get a better response if you eschew using abbreviations for birds, which many of the viewers on this forum will not know. This applies also to location names. MA is where - Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts?

 

[TKbird]

I think you will get a better response if you eschew using abbreviations for birds, which many of the viewers on this forum will not know. This applies also to location names. MA is where - Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts?

Hmm, you could be right. I've edited the post accordingly. Thanks for the suggestion!