Subject: unidentified shorebird
Date: Jan 31 08:31:17 1995
From: "Nunnallee, Dave" - DNUN461 at ecy.wa.gov



Yesterday I posted a message about a shorebird near Swantown, Whidbey
Island.

Dennis and Andy both suggested that the bird, a Western Sandpiper-like peep
with a blackish-brown shoulder spot, could be a Sanderling.

The dark shoulder spot was very large; much larger than I normally associate
with Sanderlings. I see some illustrations of juvenile Sanderlings which
approach this appearance, but does juvenile plumage extend into this time of
year?

Habitat was certainly right for Sanderlings, and as I mentioned before the
body had a "plumpish" appearance. Still, this one really looked different.

Dave Nunnallee
dnun461 at ecy.wa.gov
Bellevue, WA