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Western Sandpiper at Presqu'ile Provincial Park |
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This Western Sandpiper was discovered in the
flock of peeps at Owen Point. It's molting from juvenile to first
winter (formative plumage). It already has grey winter scapulars and
other feathers on the upperparts. Its juvenile coverts and other
juvenile feathers are quite worn. The molt of Western Sandpipers
into first winter (formative) plumage is ahead of that of
Semipalmated Sandpipers. Found by Jon Ruddy on 26 August 2018. |
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VIDEO: Presqu'ile Shorebirds includes Western Sandpiper at end |
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Slightly larger than Semipalmated Sandpiper (right), the Western
Sandpiper (left) stood out by the length and tapered shape of the
bill, its much greyer/paler plumage, and contrasting wider rufous-fringed
scapulars. 26 August 2018. |
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Yes! Both Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers
have semipalmations or partial webbing between the middle and outer
toes. The Birds of North America on-line Western Sandpiper
account (2014) says: "Legs and
Feet: Black, sometimes tinged greenish or brownish; substantial
webbing between the toes, particularly between the middle and outer
toe." Pyle (2008) says "Legs and feet black with hind toe
moderately well developed and substantial webbing between fore toes"
which he illustrates in Figure 374D-E. Presqu'ile Provincial Park on Lake Ontario on 26 August 2018. |
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Western Sandpiper - second bird from left - with
Semipalmated Sandpipers at Owen Point, Presqu'ile. The algae is
perfect for shorebirds. 26 August 2018. |
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Link to Presqu'ile Shorebirds on 26 August 2018 |
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