All the flocks of "winter peeps" I've seen over the years around here have 
been Dunlin, including a flock I found on Cape Henlopen during mid December 
in the early '70s I initially identified as Western Sandpipers, but which 
further study proved to be Dunlin.

Tom Stock
Silver Spring, Md.
altomomatic at verizon.net

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Hoffman, Mark" <>
To: <>
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 10:53 AM
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Semipalmated Sandpipers in winter


It would be important to rule out Dunlin as well, which is considerable more 
common than Western Sandpiper in Md in winter, particularily in "flocks".

Mark Hoffman

 -----Original Message-----
From: Norm Saunders [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 10:41 AM Eastern Standard Time
To: 
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Semipalmated Sandpipers in winter

Yes, I remember that as well, Paul.  I believe that was a commentary
on the large number of Semipalms that were being reported on
Christmas Counts. As soon as that was circulated, the number of
Semis dropped to zero and the number of Westerns rose dramatically.
It certainly got people to looking more carefully!

Norm

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Maryland Birds & Birding
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Paul Woodward
> Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 10:35 AM
> To: 
> Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Semipalmated Sandpipers in winter
>
> Norm & Jason,
>       I vaguely remember an article ages ago that questioned
> all winter records of the Semipalmated Sandpipers the United
> States.  They should be in South America.  I think the
> conclusion was that they were really Western Sandpipers.
>
> Paul Woodward
> Fairfax City, VA
> 
>