Patrick Scott wrote -

>A little while ago, I posted a message about our trip to Morro Bay,
>saying that I saw some shorebirds that I couldn't identify. Well, I
>finally got off my keyster and got them scanned in. The address is:

>http://www.uidaho.edu/~scott931/palouse/knowme.html

>The words are in French, but I'm sure they're pretty easy to translate.
>Anyone who can give me a hand with the first bird is welcome to join in.
>The second one I know, but want to present a challenge to the people on
>ORNITHO-QC.

OK. I'll put my picture up there on the dart board, too. Hope everyone's aim
is off.

Bird #1: Absolutely nothing to help with judging relative size here but we may
not need it. Very rusty brown overall dorsal coloration; wingtips extend to
tail; pale yellowish or greenish legs; hunched posture; slightly decurved bill
with hint of terminal droop, thickish at base and about as long as head; hint
of two "scap lines". Can only be one bird that I know of - juv. Least
Sandpiper. Must be late molters. Dark smudging on underside is artifact of
either a brush with beach tar or other pigmenting substance.

Bird #2: Still working on this one. First impression of incredible
potbellied-ness was of Ruff but confidence not high.

Grab those darts!!

- Jack


Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
CANADA
jcbowling at mindlink.bc.ca