Subject: [Tweeters] Godwits, Part Two
Date: Jul 21 13:25:56 2012
From: Keith Carlson - kec201814 at cableone.net
As stated in Godwits, Part One, I was thinking a possible Idaho first record Bar-tailed Godwit.
I had seen and photographed the September 2009 at Tokeland. http://www.flickr.com/photos/birddog/3932914726/in/photostream/
My Godwit was starting to look good for a Bar-tailed.
When the Godwits finally got sick of posing for photos, I was able to take this photo which solved the mystery.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/birddog/7610605816/in/photostream
As pointed out by Dennis Paulson, no Godwit other than the Marbled Godwit has rufous underwings. My Godwits are both Marbled Godwits.
The size difference is no doubt due to dimorphism, my smaller bird is a male.
The differences in plumage are within the range of what can occur in different individuals and the timing of the molt out of breeding plumage.
The leg color difference will remain a mystery as all Godwits have dark legs. Probably got into some funny colored mud.
Proof once again that Fall shorebirds are fun.
Thanks again to Dennis Paulson for his help with this and other mysteries.
Keith E. Carlson
Lewiston, Idaho