Birder's Ken Mcilwrick and I had a basic plumage Western Sandpiper this morning at Goertimus Island. It was with 4 Semipalmated Sandpipers and we were able to compare the birds side by side. The longer legs. longer tapered bill, attenuated rear end and the rather front heavy look were well seen. The Semipalms were all in alternate plumage but the Western was in worn basic plumage. I managed one distant pic but I was using my 200mm lens as my big lens is in the shop so it is rather pixelated and not to helpful. The birds structural differences from the Semipalms was immediately apparent and we both studied the bird in perfect light through our scopes. I have quite extensive experience with this species in all plumages from Alaska, California and Florida and feel quite confident in regards to the identification. There were many other species of shorebirds present today -other interesting sightings included 8 Baird's Sandpipers and a single Ruddy Turnstone. Ken had several other good finds before I arrived (much to my delight) I arrived and I suspect he will post these a bit later.
Goertimus Island can be accessed only by boat from the end of Pumpkin Point Rd which goes south off Hwy 17 -10 miles east of Echo Bay, Algoma Kirk Zufelt _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
