The report of 5 Semipalmated Sandpipers on October 31 is of interest.
I am really curious about the criterion used during this time of year
for distinguishing Semis and Westerns.
My impression is that at this time of year, plumage between the 2
species
is virtually identical -- with the one exception in that the bill of a
Female Western is much thinner at the tip and that the tip of the bill
of a female Western also dips to the extent that it is noticeable in the
field. (In fact, I was at Hart Miller Island this past July where Gene
Scarpulla pointed out to us a good number of Western Sandpipers from a
distance of 150-200 yards based on the bill being thinner at the tip and
also drooping at the tip. In fact, the distance was so great that you
could not see any of the other possible distinguishing field marks).
The other distinguishing feature between the two birds is the voice
which generally is a high thin "cheet" for Westerns whereas the Semi has
a short lower pitched 'chert'. But Sibley also points out that Semis
also sometimes give a thin 'cheet' that is similar to a Western.
I would appreciate it if Jan Reese or anyone else with greater expertise
than myself could comment.
Good Birding!
Taylor McLean
-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Les Roslund
Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2007 9:30 PM
To:
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Poplar Island Sightings for October 31, 2007
Subject: Poplar Island Sightings from Oct 31, 2007
This report is submitted on behalf of Jan Reese of Talbot
County, who continues to periodically survey the flora and fauna of
Poplar
Island. The Poplar Island project has received a name change. It is
now
called Paul Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project at Poplar Island.
These sightings include the birds seen on Oct 31, 2007.
Some of
the birds were seen from the boat during the trip from Tilghman Island
and
back.
Weather: Clear am & pm; Temp range 50-65 degrees F
SPECIES
Common Loon (1)
Double-crested Cormorant (445)
Great Blue Heron (23)
Canada Goose (31)
GADWALL (9)
American Black Duck (76)
Mallard (198)
Northern Shoveler (690)
Northern Pintail (12)
Green-winged Teal (133)
Lesser Scaup (6)
Bufflehead (43)
Ruddy Duck (171)
Bald Eagle (7)
Northern Harrier (3)
Black-bellied Plover (5)
Killdeer (5)
Sanderling (28)
Semipalmated Sandpiper (5)
Least Sandpiper (6)
Dunlin (20)
Laughing Gull (50)
Ring-billed Gull (12)
Herring Gull (1256)
Great Black-backed Gull (1097)
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (1)
Horned Lark (2)
European Starling (71)
American Pipit (12)
Savannah Sparrow (26)
Song Sparrow (42)
Swamp Sparrow (4)
Red-winged Blackbird (82)
Brown-headed Cowbird (23)
Les Roslund
Talbot County
Easton MD 21601
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