July 25th 2007. Milford Point, CT.
Short-billed Dowitchers. Limnodromus griseus. (5), one of which was L. g. hendersoni. All adults.
This morning I had the opportunity for a short visit to Milford Point. The tide was receding and sea mist rolling in and out, so conditions were not the best. However, amongst a small flock of Short-billed Dowitchers was this very 'ruddy' bird with only a small amount of spotting on the breast-sides and flanks, suggesting the form L. g. hendersoni. The orange-buff coloration on the underparts was extensive reaching all the way the ventral region. All in all, a very nice opportunity to watch this bird amongst the duller, nominate, Atlantic form L. g. griseus.
Other birds at Milford Point included about 1,000 peeps, mostly Semi-palmated Sandpipers, 5 Ruddy Turnstone, 25+ Sanderling, 12 Piping Plovers and about 15 Semi-palmated Plovers amongst others.
Other birds at Milford Point included about 1,000 peeps, mostly Semi-palmated Sandpipers, 5 Ruddy Turnstone, 25+ Sanderling, 12 Piping Plovers and about 15 Semi-palmated Plovers amongst others.
Images taken using Canon Powershot A540 through Swarovski HD telescope.
Short-billed Dowitchers. L. g. griseus (left) and L. g. hendersoni (right).
Compare differences in underparts coloration and basic patterning.
Short-billed Dowitcher. L. g. griseus, Rather light orange buff, mostly on the chest with quite heavily barred flanks.
Short-billed Dowitcher. L. g. hendersoni (right). With Semi-palmated Sandpipers. Often feeding away from the main group of griseus.
Short-billed Dowitcher. L. g. hendersoni .
Very richly colored underparts, markings restricted to spots and light barring on the breast sides and rear flanks.
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