Small Sandpiper ID Question

Small Sandpiper

There was a loose flock of several small sandpipers at Totem Park this evening. It was getting late, so I did not spend a lot of time trying to get photos, however I did get a decent photograph of the bird seen here. Upon looking at the photo, I am confused as to the identification. Its legs are not completely black like I am used to seeing in Western Sandpipers, nor does it seem to have the webbing between its toes that I’ve seen on Western Sandpipers before. Its beak is much shorter than the Western Sandpipers I am used to seeing. On the other hand, its legs are much darker and its bill much shorter than I am used to seeing on Least Sandpipers. Any suggestions are welcome.

Update: It’s a Semipalmated Sandpiper (see comments).

1 thought on “Small Sandpiper ID Question”

  1. Your shorebird is a juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper. The legs are not solid black on juveniles. Your photo shows the small web between the toes which gives this bird its name.

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