I was more inclined to think that if it’s one or the other, it might be an
oddball Western rather than Semi. I’ve never seen a Semi with anywhere near
the extent of markings on the underparts that this bird shows. It has well
defined chevrons along the flanks and spotting and streaking onto the undertail
coverts. The bill is short, but not particularly blob- tipped.
Two photos below from John Gluth and Lisa Nasta showing the bold chevrons and
marked UTC
Mike Cooper
Sent from my iPhone
>
>> 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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