Baird's Sandpiper Ramona Pond

I checked the Ramona Pond this evening (on Hwy 78 near Magnolia). Only one shorebird present (two killdeer flew in while I was there). The sandpiper was on the far shore, which makes it tough for photography – I was unable to even see the bird through the lens. Distant scope views. Sandpiper with hooded appearance – face, neck and upper breast were buffy/tan. The face and neck were slightly paler than the breast, giving a banded appearance. Black legs – the bird was initially in some muck and I wasn’t sure about leg color, but it bathed and then stood on the shore and the legs were definitely black. The back was nearly uniform in color, though slightly scaled. What  I mean to say is, no braces, no rusty coloration on the back. The first feature that struck me was the very elongated look to this bird – a lot of extension behind the legs. My first thought was Baird’s because of that elongated appearance, and I spent 30 minutes trying to find some reason it wasn’t something else.

Tis the season to be looking for shorebirds. I’ve been checking Ramona Pond every 2 or 3 days, as well as Sand Lake at Kit Carson Park, and every other puddle in the back country. Checked Safari Park this week as well. Ramona Pond is not being filled and may be completely dry in another 2 weeks. Sand Lake looks like it could have some nice mud soon – might be good for Pectoral SP.

Nancy Christensen

Ramona