Wader ID help please

[Neil Fitzgerald]

You're right in what you said: these pics are such bad definition that they don't help, and
maybe it's because you've had to reduce the quality in order to make them small enough files
to be accepted onto BirdingNZ.net

Good to see all the discussion. Just want to point out that if anyone needs a hand with photo posting, cropping, resizing etc feel free to email me (and I'm sure Brent wouldn't mind either).
I thought the posting limits were reasonably generous, but if there is general consensus that they should be relaxed I'll give it some thought. I notice that the pics on Suzi's blog are easily within the guidlines for this site too.
I'm chasing NZ stormies on the Gulf this week though and about to go back out of email range.
Thanks,
Neil.

[philbattley]

Sanderling wings ought to end about level with the tail. Suzi's bird gives the impression of having longer wings. Let's just hope that someone turns it up again.

Phil

[igor]

No sign of the mystery wader yesterday on the small tide (indeed I saw no sandpipers nor sanderlings at all), but there was a common tern hunkering down from the blasting wind and rain in amongst the white-fronts at the north end.

[Dan Brown]

Hi,
It seems that the wader in question is still causing ID problems however i have no hesitation in agreeing with Alan Shaw that this bird is most certainly a White-rumped Sand. It appears that it is a moulting adult though. In the first photos it is possible to see a few remaining black mantle feathers (adult sum plum) whilst the breast and head have been moulted in to winter plumage. The white rump is clearly visible in the flight shot as are the general pallid tones to the retrices and remiges. The general structure and size is perfect for WRS, plus the primary length. Bill depth and length are also spot on for WRS. As Alan correctly points out there appears to be no moult in the remiges however in the initially photo there appears to be contrast in the greater coverts indicating moult. There general bleached impression this bird has also indicates its probably an adult. Hopefully it will re relocated and enjoyed by many.
Happy searching and well found!

Dan Brown
UK