"Possible" Western Sandpiper at Miranda

[Grahame]

No photos I'm afraid, but notes about the bill by three of us. In side view, wide at base, quickly curving up towards the top, overall with a down curve and fairly long. In plan view, very thin with a noticeable blob at the tip. This was noted by all three of us. It was agreed that the bill was too long for a Semipalmated Sandpiper, also the toes were both palmated. I have photographs of Amanda's notes for both occasions. I will try and post them tomorrow.

Cheers, Grahame

[Jochen Dierschke]

I saw the bird yesterday and today and to me the bird is a Red-necked Stint. Picture from yesterday attached.

[Steve Wood]

Pics are getting better thanks Jochen . If we only had some decent images of this bird! ....very frustrating.
The bill looks far too long for RN Stint surely.

[Grahame]

To the best of my knowledge, everyone, bar one, that has seen the bird has said that it is absolutely not a Red-n or Broad-b.
Paul described the bill in plan (looking from above) as very thin with a heart shaped droplet almost on the tip, and in side elevation, barely downcurved along the ridge of the upper mandible, deeply concave curved from a heavy deep base under the lower mandible pointed to a moderate stremgth at the tip, all jet black. Rump white with a black center up the tail and lower rump with a semi translucent golden fawn terminal band showing gold either side of the black center. The feet were scoped and showed no sign of the semi-palmations. The mantle is plain light dull brown with lighter edged coverts.
Here are photos of Amanda's notes from her two sightings. The first is from the 19th, the second the 13th.

[Michael Szabo]

Bill comparison of Western Sandpiper and Semipalmated Sandpiper (David Sibley - The North American Bird Guide): https://scontent.fpmr1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/ ... e=5EB3315C

[Grahame]

Speaking personally, it was my Sibley that helped me decide it was not a semi p
Cheers, Grahame

[Grahame]

Mant thanks to Michael for trying to help solve this problem. Unfortunately I am unable to get definitive photos of the bird, so until someone manages to, I see no way forward.
Cheers Grahame

[imogen]

Thanks to Grahame for being so hospitable. Amanda confirmed that this is the mystery bird. Photos have been cropped but not processed any further. Still not the best quality as the conditions were poor and it was very small and far away. Hope they help resolve the id.

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[Michael Szabo]

Sanderling?

[Adam C]

From those latest shots it's looking good for a Western guys.