Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla), Goldman Dairy Sludge Ponds, Pinal County

This Semipalmated Sandpiper was found and photographed by Doug Jenness on 01 August 2016

A rare, but regular, fall transient in Arizona.

Semipalmated Sandpiper always shows black legs and averages a shorter, more stout, and straight bill without any droop to the tip than Western Sandpiper in any plumage. This is a juvenile, indicated by the fresh buffy fringes on the upperparts. The relatively short, straight bill, 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.

01 August 2016, photo by Doug Jenness

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