Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla), Willcox Twin Lakes Golf Course, Cochise County

This adult Semipalmated Sandpiper in worn alternate plumage was discovered at the big pond at Willcox on 2 July 2009 by Dave Stejskal, Mark Stevenson, and Molly Pollock and was photographed by Dave at the time of its discovery.

Semipalmated Sandpiper is a rare fall migrant throughout the state.  This individual probably represents the earliest fall record ever for Arizona (by a day).

Associating with a couple of nearby adult Western Sandpipers makes the i.d. of this bird rather straightforward. The shorter, straight bill with a minimum of tapering at the tip, the black legs, the lack of heavier black streaking or chevrons on the lower flanks, the short wing projection, and the lack of rufous edging on the back, scapulars, crown, and ear coverts all point to Semipalmated and away from any of the similar species.

02 July 2009, photo by Dave Stejskal