I took this yesterday at a local lake (NE Iowa). I'm reasonably certain the one on the left is a spotted sandpiper - non-breeding plumage. But is the other one his mate - or a different sandpiper? We don't have a lot of sandpipers in Iowa as a rule, but it could be migratory. I can't find a picture of the female that looks just like it.
Try (L) Spotted Sandpiper and (R) Virginia Rail
I could be on board with that, but I'd like at least one confirmation. Would a second pic help?
Juvie Spotted Sandpiper and Juvie Virginia Rail...nice shot's btw.
Thanks so much, Ned and Burd. I've gotten photos of spotted sandpipers before, but the Virginia rail is a first! The range maps I've found make me think it's either migrating or has wandered a little south of its usual range.
I took the photos from my kayak, and they required a lot of zooming. In fact, from the boat I didn't even see the rail. It was only when I got it on my computer screen that I realized there was a second bird. What a nice surprise to have it be something I've never seen before.
Thanks again.
Ditto to Spotted Sandpiper for the left, but the right is a Sora - note the yellow (not orangey) feet and short yellowish bill.
Resin
Would that be a juvie sora? I don't see the black on the face and chest. One last pic -
Yep, a juvenile given the rather drab brownish colour overall. Adults lose the black face from late summer to winter, but retain a greyer breast and more rufous nape than this one has.
Resin
What a lot to learn! Virginia rail or sora, both are new to me. Thanks for helping me out.
