Initially it looked bigger than the nearby Least Sandpipers, but after studying it for a while we concluded it was comparable in size to a Least. Despite leaning towards Least, we were puzzled at the "buffiness" of the bird. Here are a few photos. What are you thoughts?
UPDATE: 7-10-12 The initial assessment of Calidris minutilla Least Sandpiper stands! Despite the aberrant plumage - the structure, virtually no primary extension and dark centers in the scapulars hold consistently for Least. Thanks to all who weighed in with their input especially Seth Asubel and Shai Mitra.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, 
Queens
4 comments:
That is a strange color, but its certainly shaped right for a Least....leucism maybe?
Lovely set of images... :)
@ Seagull Steve - good eye! Yes, despite our efforts to turn it into something along the rare side we unfortunately had to settle for Least. Odd plumage indeed...almost bleached to quote birder, Isaac Grant.
@Angad - thanks bro for visiting! Hoping a visit your way is in the near future.
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