Date: 3/31/25 6:17 pm From: Louisa Evers via groups.io <elouisa603...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Semipalmated Sandpiper Records
I know Linda Wentz and I studied our reported semipalmated sandpiper as
carefully as we could before a harrier spooked the bird. We first thought a
western sandpiper but the bill was too short and the wrong shape
(more-or-less conical and not down-drooping). We also did not see any
rufous on the head, auriculars, or scapulars and it lacked spotting in the
flanks, nor was it the typical gray color of basic plumage. Definitely had
black legs. Many birds are showing up early this year in southwest Idaho.
On Mon, Mar 31, 2025 at 7:09 PM Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa=
<octobersetters.com...> wrote:
> We are seeing a spate of eBird reports of Semipalmated Sandpiper in
> Idaho so I thought I'd throw this out there. This is exceedingly early
> for this species in Idaho. I just pulled up the eBird map for this year
> and the closest to Idaho there are checklists is in Kansas. I found two
> photos for Idaho in late April but May is a more typical time for them
> to come through.
>
> Shorebirds in general can be difficult to ID (to say the least) and
> Semipalmated Sandpiper is notoriously easy to confuse with/for other
> species, especially Western Sandpiper. I would encourage everyone to try
> to get photos if you think you see one before May. Good luck.
>
> Cliff
>
> --
> Cliff and Lisa Weisse
> Island Park, Idaho
> <cliffandlisa...>
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--
Louisa Evers
<elouisa603...>
Take care of the birds and you take care of the world
