Hi Everyone,
I decided to swing by Swan Creek (Anne Arundel Co.) this afternoon to look for Stan Arnold's WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER and any remaining shorebirds. I found about a third of his original flock in the north dredge cell. Fortunately, the juvenile WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER was actively foraging with six Least Sandpipers and a Lesser Yellowlegs. Two SEMIPALMATED PLOVERs were relaxing nearby. The WHITE-RUMPED is a juvenile with very finely patterned upperparts. As I was studying these birds, I heard a KILLDEER make an alarm call and take flight, and I could hear that it was joined by several birds. I scanned, found the flock of about 10 birds, and noted a large brown shorebird mixed in. It was the right size for a BUFF-BREASTED, so I followed the flock eagerly, already quite hopeful. Finally the birds landed in the closest section of the south cell, the northwestern corner. The beautiful juvenile BUFF-BREASTED foraged in the dirt near the close corner, delicately
picking at tiny food items, easily blending in among the sandy dirt and small weeds. Talk about a treat--that really made my day! Dan Haas and Chris Murray were in pursuit when I left, but it was a race against the clock. The gates close at 5:30 p.m. As pointed out by Stan, it's best to check in by 3:30 p.m., but I told the staff to expect two last-minute visitors for a few minutes.
A single adult CASPIAN TERN was also working the north cell.
CORRECTION: I have been working hard at studying molt, but I had a nice learning opportunity today regarding aging Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. I incorrectly labeled my Rose-breasted Grosbeak in yesterday's photo update as a molting adult male. Walter Ellison kindly offered the following clarification. I'm sure this will be of interest to others as well. Thanks, Walter!
"... Your subject is a hatch-year bird, which often show a hint of pink among the apricot-colored wash on the breast - if they lose a juvenile feather or two, they are replaced with the next feather "in line", which is pink. Adult males always have black/white flight feathers, even in winter. Their black head & back and pink breast are veiled with brown or whitish tipping, which wears off over the winter. Your bird shows brown flight feathers, except for one replaced outer tail feather, of a young male."
Ref: http://www.billhubick.com/photos/updates/20090927.php
(bottom of the page)
Good birding!
Bill
Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland
http://www.billhubick.com |