This is a ‘classic’ case where size matters.Over the years I’ve heard of some mind boggling misidentifications; mainly brought about by peering down the telescope for too long, oblivious to how big the bird really is. Perhaps the craziest one I ever heard was on an Alaskan tour where an excited birder goes to the leader – ‘I think I’ve got a Gyrfalcon’ .The leader peers down the scope to see a zoomed in Snow Bunting!
I too think I can see red at the base of the bill – which rules out Wilsons.
The proportions are all wrong for Wilsons. Bill too long and thick, neck too fat and too long, tail end looks too low. It almost looks as if you can see the white up the lower back – but perhaps it’s just a reflection in the water behind.
This is a Spotted Redshank in non breeding plumage. As you know they quite commonly swim and even upend! The Tringas & Phalarope are closely related; the group is thought to have split about 22 million years ago. When we see Spotted Reds swimming , is it because they are a more primitive arm of this group or are they exploiting a specific niche and ‘evolving back’? Either way we’ll have to wait a little longer till a 3rd Phalarope hits the HK list.
eRic
[ Last edited by RUWright at 21/01/2011 07:07 ]
