Hi Steve,
Whenever, I see “hybrid” in any reports I am always tempted to immediately take
a peep. Despite looking at the images from the field on my phone I have to
respectfully disagree with the “presumed” hybrid call on the bird you
referenced.
This to me, is just a Semipalmated Sandpiper (SESA). I agree it is a tad
heavily marked below but nothing in the structure or bill is suggestive of a
Western hybrid with a SESA.
I certainly claim no expertise; however, my time having Semipalmated Sandpipers
in the hand and field observations, I have learned to appreciate variation in
plumage and size. The plumage on this bird in my opinion is within the range of
just a straight up Semipalmated Sandpiper.
When I have a chance, I will take a look on a bigger screen and perhaps provide
more details.
Cheers,
--------
"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick
Douglass
風 Swift as the wind
林 Quiet as the forest
火 Conquer like the fire
山 Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu The Art of War
> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (")
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device!
Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
> On Aug 27, 2018, at 3:09 PM, Steve Walter <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> I’ve posted pictures of an interesting Calidris sandpiper that has been on
> the East Pond at Jamaica Bay. It was first photographed by Peter Post on
> Saturday and observed by Kevin Karlson (co-author of The Shorebird Guide). I
> was able to relocate and photograph the bird on Sunday, then discuss it with
> Kevin. He’s of the opinion that it’s a hybrid between Western and
> Semipalmated Sandpipers. In simplest terms, he described it as having the
> upperparts of a Semipalmated and the underparts of a Western. The bird is
> extensively marked underneath, not only along the flanks, but on the belly.
> Semipalmated would never be like that. And actually, neither species should
> be so extensively marked this late. The bill looks like that of a
> Semipalmated, while the head shows a squared look more typical of a Western.
> Pictures can be seen at my web site http://stevewalternature.com/ under
> Birds, Recent Work.
>
> For the record, other weekend birds at Jamaica Bay other than the much
> ballyhooed Hudsonian Godwit, include 1 Caspian Tern on the pond Saturday and
> 2 fly bys Sunday, at least one juvenile Western Sandpiper both days, many
> White-rumped Sandpipers, and Stilt Sandpiper now starting to appear in the
> juvenile form. A Common Raven was seen by many, soaring over the visitor
> center Saturday.
>
> The water level is decidedly on the high side, but there’s enough room for
> birds and people. Getting to the raunt requires walking through water in
> places. Note that the safest passage is sometimes well away from the edge of
> the pond. There are two deeper puddles that reach the phragmites in the
> southeast corner. Do not walk along their edges. And also watch out for the
> Salt Marsh Fleabane, if you can. These plants are in full bloom now and
> adding a touch of beauty to the pond. And if you pay close enough attention
> to the bright pink flowers, you just might be rewarded with the sight of a
> Salt Marsh Skipper.
>
>
> Steve Walter
> Bayside, NY
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