[ Last edited by Sze at 14/10/2011 21:58 ] Author: DCW Time: 14/10/2011 22:05
多謝 Sze 師兄!!! Author: gary Time: 15/10/2011 00:45
Looks like juvenile Common Sandpiper.
Gary Author: ajohn Time: 15/10/2011 16:26
I agree with Gary - this is a juvenile Common Sandpiper. Author: Sze Time: 16/10/2011 02:06
Thanks for the correction from Gary and John!
May I ask what is the characteristic of JV Common Sandpiper?
Thanks for sharing again! Author: ajohn Time: 17/10/2011 08:52
On these photos, the bird looks relatively small (but sometimes difficult to judge on a photo), the tail is long, there is an extension of white in front of the wing on the first photo, and broad white eye-ring. The overall 'jizz' of the bird is just right for Common Sandpiper. The barring on the wing coverts indicate that the bird is a juvenile - adults at this time of year should have plainer wing coverts.
Common Sandpiper is one of the commonest waders in Hong Kong, especially away from the intertidal areas of Deep Bay. It is worth watching these to become familiar with the characteristics of the species, so that you are more easily able to pick up the differences when faced with another species. Author: Sze Time: 17/10/2011 23:42
John! Thanks for your useful infomation and sharing again! Author: EricB Time: 21/10/2011 05:13
Let me add a couple of wader comments.
1.Common Sandpipers almost constantly bob their tails.This feature is shared with Spotted Sandpiper which could conceivably occur - but would be easily over looked in juvenile or winter plumage.The long tail projection beyond the wing tips is a feature of Common Sand.
2.Common Sand has a very distinctive flight- flying close to the water with wings flicking downwards from the horizontal plane, intermittently gliding on bowed wings intermittently.
3.I think Green Sand looks most like Common Sand on the deck.Common Sand have the 'white wedge' near the shoulder breaking into the side of the body as shown here, this is all dark in Green Sand.
4.When looking at waders(as in most birds) try to get some idea of relative proportions , it is useful comparing them with nearby birds.This bird has short legs for its length.Here's a picture of Marsh Sand and Greenshank - highlighting that size and relative proportions matter. You just need to get your eye in.
5.I can recommend 'Shorebirds of the Northern Hemisphere ' by Chandler as an excellent book
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