American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica), Vicksburg Dairy Operation, Vicksburg , La Paz County

An American Golden-Plover was discovered by Paul Lehman and Barbara Carlson on 27 April 2008 at some dairy ponds in Vicksburg.  These ponds are found at I-10 exit 45 at the first dairy to the west of the road with five diked ponds.  This bird, presumably the same individual, was photographed by Kurt Radamaker on 03 May 2008

American Golden-plover is very rare in Arizona with about 30 records in total for the state. It occurs on average about once a year.

The slender build, small bill, small-ish head, long brown tail and lack of black axillaries (armpits) eliminates Black-bellied Plover. The chedle dee call heard in the field, the long primaries extending beyond the tail, and mostly basic plumage eliminates Pacific Golden-Plover. By April Pacific Golden-Plovers are in full alternate plumage.

American Golden-Plover is an Arizona Bird Committee Review Species.  Submitting photos to AZFO does not constitute reporting a rare bird for consideration as an official record. To ensure that a record becomes official, details or photos of Sketch Details Species should be sent to the Editors of North American Birds and a full report of Review Species should be submitted to the Arizona Bird Committee. Most rare birds are under _documented and subsequent observers of a rarity are always encouraged to submit reports and additional photos, especially for birds that are challenging to identify.

03 May 2008, photos by Kurt Radamaker