Date: 10/9/26 6:56 pm From: Nick Lethaby <nlethaby...> Subject: Re: [BIRDWG01] Semi Sand or Sanderling?
Dave,
Definitely not a Sanderling to my eyes and I see these frequently on the CA coast.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA
<nlethaby...> Mobile: 805 284 6200
On Fri, Oct 9, 2026, 5:44 PM Dave DeReamus <becard...> wrote:
> Hi, > > This shorebird dropped into a local eastern Pennsylvania retention pond > during a period of rain showers. It was reported as a Sanderling. I took > photos of it just before it took off. The bird showed traits of a > Sanderling, but the head didn't look bulbous enough for one. My > determination was that this was a very plump Semipalmated Sandpiper. Either > species is on the late side of their migration period. The thing that > really bugs me about this bird is that, despite getting many photos of the > bird's legs out of the water, I cannot find a hind toe in ANY of the > photos. You would think that one would show up on one or more of the > photos. So, is this just a small-headed Sanderling after all? Otherwise, > where are the toes? > > Here's the link to the photos: > [ https://goo.gl/photos/aWtBeNArw415dYZP8 | > https://goo.gl/photos/aWtBeNArw415dYZP8 ] > I'd appreciate any opinions on this bird. > > Thanks and Good birding, > Dave DeReamus > Easton, Pennsylvania > becard -at- rcn.com > Blog: [ https://becard.blogspot.com/ | https://becard.blogspot.com ] > > > Archives: https://listserv.ksu.edu/birdwg01.html >
