I photographed this bird yesterday at the Bolivar Peninsula Mudflats (near Galveston, TX). It was much smaller than the Willets that were out there. The colors on the bird were pretty much what I saw - the sun was just coming up, so it emphasized the golden color.
I can't help with the bird, but that is one of the best shots I have seen in a long time. Congratulations.
My guess would be a juvenile American Golden Plover. Great shot.
Thanks for the kind words. I looked up the Plover and it does look like that. I was thinking a Semipalmated Sandpiper, but the beak looks more like a Plover. I wish I had taken more photos of it.
It was moving around quite fast so hard to get a shot.
Patti
Grey Plover (a.k.a. Black-bellied Plover), winter plumage.
AGP has a smaller bill and slenderer build.
Resin
Resin, Thanks. I need to find a good shorebird ID book. I've been using Sibley's for everything, but I just can't seem to do very well with shorebirds. Any recommendations?
Patti
For Shorebirds in the USA, this one is best:
The Shorebird Guide ..by Michael O'Brien, Richard Crossley, Kevin Karlson
OldNed, Thanks much! I will check it out.
Patti
Ordered today!! Looks good.
This message was edited Dec 5, 2010 6:19 PM
Agree, very nice shot!
Burd_Fotos, Thanks! It was a really nice morning for shooting shorebirds - low tide, clear, cool and a beautiful sunrise.
