Date: 9/10/26 1:52 pm From: Jorgensen, Joel via groups.io <Joel.Jorgensen...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Sandpiper ID help
Thomas:
Looks good as a Least Sandpiper. It's not unusual for juvenile Least Sandpipers to somewhat look like a miniature Pectoral Sandpiper, like this bird. Would not expect a Western to appear this buffy and reddish overall, including on the upper breast. This time of year, it is almost exclusively juvenile Western Sandpiper migrating through. They would appear much plainer overall with the reddish/rust being evident in the scapulars, which is a helpful field mark. Breast, throat and face would be much cleaner and bill would be thicker at the base with the downward kink toward the distal end.
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From: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...> on behalf of Thomas Labedz via groups.io <telabedz...>
Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2026 2:08 PM
To: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...>
Subject: [NEBirds] Sandpiper ID help
Looking for opinions on the ID of the sandpiper in the attached photo. This was at Marsh Wren Community Wetland early afternoon 8 Sep (2 days ago). Originally, I thought it a western sandpiper due to the rufous tones and longer drooping bill. Later, I changed my mind and called it a least sandpiper. Ran it through Merlin photo ID and it came back as a least. Subsequent western sightings at Marsh Wren have me taking another look, and asking for help. Thanks in advance!
Thomas Labedz, Lincoln
