—

I looked at these photos the other night but didn’t have time to
write a response. I don’t think there’s any doubt the first photo
is of a Least Sandpiper for reasons already mentioned. However the
ID of the bird in the second photo is not straight forward.

The posture makes it difficult to assess structure and I can see
why it suggests Pectoral but the breast is nowhere near streaked
enough for Pec. All plumages have heavily marked upper breast with
sharp lower edge bordering on the white belly while the center of
the breast on this individual is unmarked. The bill is heavier,
especially at the base, than the Least in photo one but has a
similar decurved appearance. Also the primary projection and
extension beyond the tail are longer which suggests
Western/Semipalmated. The rufous upper scapulars contrasting with
the dull lower scaps, longish fine tipped bill, and streaks
confined to the side of the breast do suggest Western to me. Is
there any chance there are other photos of this individual? Maybe
in a more relaxed posture?

Cliff

Ron — there are two photographs. The second one is clearly not a
“peep” so could not be a Western. The bill on the first one, which
is a “peep”, looks too short and not decurved at the tip enough to
be a Western. There is certainly some variation, as I relearn
every year, but what are you seeing that suggests Western? So,
similar to Dave Pace’s question.

Scott

-- 
Cliff and Lisa Weisse
Island Park, Idaho
cliffandlisa@...