What tiny peep has the same markings as Western Sandpipers but is *much* smaller? At the open ocean beach at Ocean Shores yesterday, these little birds were among a big flock of Westerns relaxing. In this flock 2 peeps w/ same coloration as the Westerns, but considerably smaller in size. They were very active running a foot or two before pecking a few times in the sand. Their *black* legs were skinnier and shorter, their bills shorter, and their body size thinner... They seems so much smaller than the Sibley's size listing for Semi-palm Sandpiper or Stint. It's not Least, as legs are black. Anyone who knows the peeps at OS beaches now have ideas as to the most likely bird? I got a great look from my binoculars, just not so good at identifying the LBJ peep.
Rebecca Laszlo
Seattle WA
Rebecca.laszlo at microsoft.com