Date: 10/9/26 7:59 pm From: Angus Wilson <oceanwanderers...> Subject: Re: [BIRDWG01] Semi Sand or Sanderling?
Like Nick, I think this is a juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper. Admittedly,
it lacks the warmer upperpart tones of other juveniles, but in my
experience that isn't unusual, especially by October. I base the
identification on the bill length and shape, compact (almost dumpy)
proportions, and dark centers on the scapulars and greater coverts,
especially toward the bottom of the U-shape. These upper-part feathers also
lack the dark notches that give juvenile Sanderlings their 'spangling'
effect. The absence of an obvious hind toe is curious, although some photos
show what appears to be a toe stub. I don't know whether toe length varies
or is uniquely short in this individual, and I haven't trawled through
photos to check.
Angus Wilson
New York City
On Fri, Oct 9, 2026 at 9:54 PM Nick Lethaby <nlethaby...> wrote:
> 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 <(805)%20284-6200>
>
>
> 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 > >
>
> Archives: https://listserv.ksu.edu/birdwg01.html >
