Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva), Ambian Diary slop pond, Paloma Ranch, Maricopa County

This Pacific Golden-Plover was discovered by Darryl Montgomery on 30 August 2021 and photographed by Ryan O'Donnell the same day.

Casual in Arizona with only 4 previous reports accepted by the ABC; this is the second for Maricopa County. All were reported between late June and mid-September.

Molting Golden-Plovers are notoriously difficult to identify and some individuals may not be identifiable in the field. Primary projection, one of the most reliable features, is not visible in these photos (also beware of molting birds). The long legs and even width white flanks connecting to the neck indicate Pacific over American. This individual was recorded giving typical Pacific Golden-Plover calls. More information on identification can be found here.

30 August 2021, photo by Ryan ODonnell

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