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Variation in White-rumped Sandpipers at Longridge Point on James Bay |
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by
Jean Iron and Ron Pittaway |
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We saw thousands of
White-rumped Sandpipers in various stages of molt from birds in worn
alternate plumage to birds well molted into basic plumage. Note two
birds at bottom left which are enlarged in next photo. Photo Mark
Peck on 16 August 2010. |
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A few White-rumped
Sandpipers were in worn alternate plumage (left) while most
birds were more advanced into basic plumage. Note rufous in
scapulars and arrowhead markings on sides and flanks. 16 August
1010. Photo by Mark Peck. |
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White-rumped Sandpiper
with rufous in scapulars and no apparent pale area at base of lower
mandible. Same bird in next photo. 12 August 2010. |
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Same
White-rumped as in previous photo showing rufous in the scapulars.
Note white rump patch. 12 August 2010. |
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White-rumped Sandpiper (front) shows how strongly rufous some
individuals are. 13 August 2010. |
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More size and plumage
variations in White-rumped Sandpipers. Plump bird on left and lean
bird on right. 26 July 2010. |
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Table showing counts of
White-rumped Sandpipers at Longridge Point 1-16 August 2010 |
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1 Aug |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 Aug |
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906 |
3555 |
5061 |
3912 |
5318 |
7576 |
6174 |
6080 |
6026 |
7541 |
4701 |
6645 |
6113 |
4844 |
5925 |
6650 |
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West Bay, just west of
Longridge Point, covered with thousands of Semipalmated Sandpipers
and White-rumped Sandpipers on 26 July. |
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