It took a bit of chasing, but I finally got a shot of this little fellow scooting around the celery fields in rural Sarasota County. After studying my 'Birds of Florida' field guide, I've decided it's a Least Sandpiper --- not a Western Sandpiper. The primary difference (to me) is that the Least Sandpiper has 'dull yellow legs', according to the guide, while the Western has black legs. Of course, there's a chance it's a Semipalmated Sandpiper, a Lesser Yellowlegs or a Sanderling. Ugh! So many shorebirds with so many similarities! For now, I'm calling it a Least Sandpiper. Anyone know for sure???
8 comments:
I don't know for sure, but I can't imagine chasing him around trying to get a shot!
Whatever he is, he's a cutiepie!
I struggle with the sandpipers as well so I don't have a firm answer. It's not a sanderling and I don't think it's a lesser yellowleg. I vote for Least Sandpiper as well.
I'm not sure either, but he is pretty! Sounds like you got some exercise chasing him around.
At least you know it's a Sandpiper! haha I don't think we have those in Canada. Or maybe we do and I just don't hang along shorelines enough to see them. Quite the beak! - they must make fishing around for a snack in the sand easier.
I can say without a doubt that it is most assuredly a...bird. :)
whatever it is, its cute. OK dumb question....celery field? I have only seen celery at the store.
Who are you calling the least sandpiper? This guy is strutting, puffing out his chest, and emitting a throaty warble. I believe he is sandpiper maximus.
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