Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla), Ashurst Lake, Coconino County

This Semipalmated Sandpiper was found by John Coons on 01 October 2017 and photographed by Jason Wilder on 01 and 02 October 2017

A rare, but regular, fall transient in Arizona.

This is a juvenile, indicated by the fresh buffy fringes on the upperparts. Semipalmated Sandpiper is a black legged, grayish, short billed peep. The short and straight bill, black legs, the lack of heavier black streaking or chevrons on the lower flanks, the short wing projection, slight palmations between the toes, and the lack of bright distinct rufous edging limited to the back and scapulars (though note this is a bright individual), all point to Semipalmated and away from any of the similar species. 

02 October 2017, photo by Jason Wilder

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer