Subject: [Tweeters] Just a Note about the Carkeek Park Baird's Sandpiper
Date: Jul 10 11:21:41 2016
From: B B - birder4184 at yahoo.com


Thanks for the insights Brad. ?I have generally concluded "Baird's" when I observe long wings and scaly back. ?The long wings were evident but wondered about the back detail. ?Now I know. ?And why does Baird's have such long wings. ?I know ?it is a long distance migrant. ?Makes the flight easier? ?Other reasons.


Blair Bernson


On Sun, Jul 10, 2016 at 9:50 AM, Brad Waggoner<wagtail24 at gmail.com> wrote:
Hi All,

I just thought it was worth pointing out that the Carkeek Baird's Sandpiper is somewhat noteworthy. It is an adult and we just do not really get many adult Baird's Sandpiper either as northbound spring migrants or as southbound fall migrants. Juvenile Baird's Sandpipers, though their numbers might vary a bit from year to year, are a much different story and we should start seeing them at the end of the month or beginning of August. If one takes a look at photos of the Carkeek bird via Blair's blog or Spencer's eBird submission (http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S30583511), it is rather clear that it certainly long-winged and structurally like what we consider "normal" for a Baird's Sandpiper but it is not at all "scaly-backed" and as buffy as juveniles (https://www.flickr.com/photos/wagtail24/14901569388/).


Any Baird's Sandpipers noted over the next few weeks are worth scrutinizing as to age. It might lead to giving us a bit better handle on early arriving juveniles versus rare southbound adults.

Happy Birding,

Brad Waggoner

Bainbridge Island, Washington