Mystery Shorebird

Swan Lake Shorebird

I observed this bird at Swan Lake today.  I suspect it is a Lesser Yellowlegs, but I am uncertain.  When it flew off, it did have the white patch above its tailfeathers that is characteristic of yellowlegs. It also seems to lack the up-turned bill of a Greater Yellowlegs.

My uncertainty arises from the shape, which seems different than what I have seen on Greater Yellowlegs before (I’ve not ever seen a Lesser Yellowlegs).  The shape is probably due to the bird’s attempts to endure the moderately heavy rain that was falling at the time.  There seems to be only minimal barring/spotting, much less than appears in the bird books I have looked at.

Any help in confirming/denying my suspicions with reasons why would be appreciated.

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