[Birdtalk] re: Solitary or Spotted

[Tim Avery]

Again, there is no question that this is a Spotted Sandpiper.  The bird has the
wrong body shape, and legs that are much to short in proportion for a Solitary.
 There is not a hint of white speckling on the back.  Almost any Solitary seen
this time of year in Utah will have some speckling on the wings and back.  The
most obvious sign is the fact here is NO complete eye ring.  There is a broken
eye ring as typically associated with Spotted Sandpiper.  There is nothing to
indicate that this bird is a Solitary Sandpiper.  The Solitary is a Tringa, and
more closely related to the yellowlegs, in feeding and habits.  The bird in the
picture is a prime example of ANY Spotted you will come across in Utah between
late August and March, just like this bird photogrpahed a year ago this week at
Fish Springs:

http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/sept05/spsa_01.jpg

Good Birding

Tim
Indianapolis, IN and Salt Lake City, UT
http://www.timaverybirding.com
http://www.birdtography.com