tags: Long-billed Dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus, birds, mystery bird, bird ID quiz
[Mystery bird] Long-billed Dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus photographed in Brazoria Refuge, Texas. [I will identify this bird for you tomorrow]
Image: Joseph Kennedy, 12 February 2009 [larger view].
Nikon D200, 1/640s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso400
Please name at least one field mark that supports your identification.
Coastal ostrich - burying its head in water.
I'll go with short-billed dowitcher - there are few waders that have black and white bars on their tails. The greyish back and the paler line behind the eye seem to fit. I gather that the long-billed dowitcher is darker, but I must confess I've spent long periods looking at waders without coming to clear conclusions about many of them.
A rather confused baby ostrich. Small (baby), sticking its head under the surface (ostrich), and confused (sand, not water, you dummy!).
From the markings on the head, Iâd have to say this is a Mississippi Fred McDowell duck.