Semipalmated Sandpiper

[Chas]

I have uploaded a photo of this extremely rare wader because I am thinking it is the first for the gallery. It was an interesting sighting amongst the larger Dunlin, Sanderling and Ringed Plover on the beach at Dawlish Warren NNR.It has caused quite a bit of excitement and will give you very good views when the tide is high. At low tide it moves with the other birds to the mudflats and has been following the same pattern of behaviour for several days. Semipalmated refers to it's semi-webbed feet, an odd name as the feet are very hard to see in a bird about as big as a large sparrow. This photo was taken after crawling on my knees to join other birdwatchers who had done the same and the whole flock appeared to be oblivious of the 4 or 5 people only feet from them. It has migrated with other birds from the Arctic circle and is usually found in North America.

[Hedge Witch]

Well done - Commando Chas Wonderful shot!

[aeshna5]

Good shot- I think I've only seen these on Scilly. Sadly not always easy to see the feet ,so case of other subtle differences between this + the more common Little Stint which is similar size + shape.

Dawlish Warren used to be a fairly regular place for me + saw my only UK Semi-palmated Plover there a decade or so ago.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Nice photo - certainly better than my view of one at Chichester in the 90s.

Cheers,

Adam

[Rob_D]

Great photo.

What are the differences between this and Little Stint (apart from the feet)?
Helm Field Guide says "very similar" or "extremely similar" and even in flight "virtually indistinguishable"! I find all the Caladrids very difficult, but I am trying to learn some of the subtleties.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Rob_D

Great photo.

What are the differences between this and Little Stint (apart from the feet)?
Helm Field Guide says "very similar" or "extremely similar" and even in flight "virtually indistinguishable"! I find all the Caladrids very difficult, but I am trying to learn some of the subtleties.

The foot webbing + call are the best ways. Other differences are very subtle- SP has on average thicker/straighter bill than LS; juv. SP is plainer not showing such prominent white mantle stripes as LS, SP has shorter primary projection.

These are all very subtle, so you would need good close views, so a lot of patience + luck required. Not a bird I'd like to claim unless I see those toes!

[Chas]

I agree about the similarities and this bird was thought to be a Little Stint when first seen. Thats a very good point you make. I have to confess to just following the "crowd" on this one. I have photos of the feet but the webbing is hardly noticeable even at 6 feet away which is as close as myself and several really good and knowledgeable bird watchers have been. All this talk of primary projection is such a hard thing to see and I bet even in the hand it would be hard to tell the difference.

[Chas]

The sun shines here in Devon, so off for another look!

[Rob_D]

Thanks for that aeshna. I think I will continue to stuggle with them, but it does give some features to look for.

[Adam Cheeseman]

The one I saw in Sussex looked heavy and dumpier in comparison to the Stint and Dunlin it was in company with. Could've been the light though.

Cheers,

Adam

[deer boy]

Great shot Chas did you manage to see it again yesterday?

[Chas]

Originally Posted by deer boy

Great shot Chas did you manage to see it again yesterday?

No unfortunately, but its been a good bird for us.

[rlchew]

I have never seen a Semipalmated Sandpiper.

What an excellent sighting and an excellent photo to record it.

Well done Chas.

Richard