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Sanderling

Calidris alba

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27.7922, -82.4193

Field Notes

Notes:

These two look like the size of Least Sandpipers, and I am wondering if their coloration can vary. These birds have blackish legs in the picture, but what had me curious from the start is why there is black on the wing of the bird in the picture by itself. That is new to me! It looked darker than usual!
alba=white https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Latin_and_Greek_words_commonly_us…

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
AshleyT
I wouldn't use that to change your mind. Tons of shorebirds just hang out all winter on shores in the southern part of what is listed as their migration range. You should go off of looks more than anything
sandytrailslvr
Interestingly, I think I have seen what must have been Semipalamateds migrate in breeding plumage in mid-May!
sandytrailslvr
Well, now I am leaning in the direction of Western because they winter here and Semipalmateds only migrate through here.
AshleyT
Forgot to mention that the black legs are what tell me it's either western or semipalmated. Least will always have yellow legs, but have to be careful because many times they can be covered in mud! Don't forget to add the scientific name :)
sandytrailslvr
Ashley, based on the fact that the bill doesn't droop from the base, I am going to say that they were Semipalmated Sandpipers. I still think it's weird that it has that coloration on the wing, but I don't know that I see many of these either.
AshleyT
Man I'm having trouble with this one because of the angle. Either western sandpiper or semipalmated sandpiper. The difference is the length/curve of the bill, but there isn't a big difference. Getting a profile view would make it much easier! Do you have any other photos? I'm leaning towards semipalmated

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Florida's Flora & Fauna
Mission
Shorebirds of the Gulf Coast
Birds seen in Florida
Photographed
PublishedDecember 14, 2015

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