Help - shorebird ID


Posted by sjn on Mon Jan 12, 2004 4:22 pm

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Help - I'm going nuts trying to ID this shorebird. I've been through 5 different birding guides with no luck. As I was approaching I thought it was a Dowitcher, but once I got close enough and saw the bill was shorter and the feathers were a smooth brown color I knew it wasn't. It's very similar to the Willets that were further down the pond but leg and feather colors weren't correct.

The bird was somewhere between 10" - 15" (nothing nearby to get a relative size). I didn't get to see any wing detail in flight as someone stopped to ask for directions and that's when he decided to take off.

Anyone have an ID to help with with?

Take with D2H, 600 f/4, 1.4x TC, iso 200, wb: auto, tone normal

Thanks,

Scott

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by Bill Whala on Mon Jan 12, 2004 4:44 pm
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I won't even attempt to ID this guy. I've been skunked on my last few attempts. :oops:

This is an excellent image!! I love the perch sticking out of the water.
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by RichardMittleman/Gon2Foto on Mon Jan 12, 2004 4:46 pm
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It is a Willet in winter plumage and a nice image too.
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by sjn on Mon Jan 12, 2004 4:51 pm
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A Willet is what the shorebird biologist I occasionally work with initially thought. On closer inspection she decided it wasn't. The yellowish legs don't match the Willet, plus the brown feathers instead of grey. About 50 yards down was a group of around 300 Willets - all with grey color markings instead of brown.

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by E.J. Peiker on Mon Jan 12, 2004 4:59 pm
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Despite what the biologist said, I would still call this a Willet - it usually helps to say where the shot was taken.
 

by mhp767 on Mon Jan 12, 2004 5:00 pm
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Individual variation in plumage is not all that rare. Structure is key- yellow vs. gray legs or brown vs. gray body is relatively minor. It is a willet for sure.
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by Mike Wilson on Mon Jan 12, 2004 6:44 pm
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Definitely a Willet. I like the perch and the water patterns. Nice soft light.
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by Wayne Nicholas on Mon Jan 12, 2004 11:08 pm
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I have no problem agreeing that this is a Willet. We get them light grey to medium brown during the winter.
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by Alan Murphy on Mon Jan 12, 2004 11:13 pm
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Will it be a Willet or won't it :) It's a very nice photo of one.
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by BrianS on Mon Jan 12, 2004 11:28 pm
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I'll go with Willet -- lovely perch and composition. Might be me but I see a slight sharpening halo.
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by fredcor on Tue Jan 13, 2004 8:37 am
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I love the shot. The lateral line in the BG are great.
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