Based on matching my photo with the Puget Sound Region bird book, this is a Surfbird. However, another bird, Black Turnstone, is very similar so I hope I am correctly identifying this bird :). Surfbirds are found on the rocky shorelines of beaches in the West Seattle area. This shot was taken a week or so ago. Thanks for stopping by.
Great natural shot of this bird, lovely focus,colour and detail. They always look better in their normal habitats. Your comments made me curious, and I have had a quick look at both birds. Some waders are notorious for being difficult to definitely identify. Breeding adults, non breeding adults, immatures or moulting birds midway between these stages can cause problems for even the most experienced birder. I am not an expert on American birds and we don't get either of the two birds, but we do get a similar Ruddy Turnstone over here.
Out of the two though I would tend to go with the Black Turnstone, this is difficult from just the one image, but it is based on the beak pattern, and the tail has a white tip, which the Surfbird doesn't have. Also Surfbirds normally have yellow legs, these look more red/orange but that could be a trick of the light.
I wouldn't change your ID just yet as its one vote for each, and I freely admit I could be wrong, I am wondering if any of the American birder experts on 365 would like to comment?
@markp Thanks for your feedback. In my bird book it describes the leg colors being different in each bird...but I still have a hard time distinguishing between the two.
A fellow Washingtonian! Great shot! I don't know my birds, but I would love to see this with those white spots behind his head cloned out so he really "pops"
One of the bonuses and/or advantages of 365 is seeing other countries that might not otherwise reach my radar. The landscape, flora and fauna are enough reason to be here alone. This shot illustrates aptly what I'm trying to say. Thank you one and all, wherever your location.
Out of the two though I would tend to go with the Black Turnstone, this is difficult from just the one image, but it is based on the beak pattern, and the tail has a white tip, which the Surfbird doesn't have. Also Surfbirds normally have yellow legs, these look more red/orange but that could be a trick of the light.
I wouldn't change your ID just yet as its one vote for each, and I freely admit I could be wrong, I am wondering if any of the American birder experts on 365 would like to comment?
Ian
This is a lovely bird and a great photograph.