Shorebirds Northern California #2 (1 Viewer)

[waka waka]

I took these pictures last week. Are the small birds with the black patch on their eyes winter Red Phalaropes?

 

[lostinjapan]

They look like Red-necked Phalaropes to me.

Sean

 

[Grousemore]

Difficult from these shots; could be Red-necked Phalarope.

 

[waka waka]

It is difficult to make out the bills, I think that would help determine. When observing these birds I forgot to make a note about that.

 

[lostinjapan]

It is difficult to see the bills well, but I feel the extent of the dark cap on the head suggests Red-necked over Red Phalarope (grey to us Brits).

I have to say in some photos the bills do look short and thick, but in others quite long and fine.

Did you make any other notes on them. Might help also to say exactly where the pic was taken.

In my experience Red-neckeds are not unusual inland, but Red Phalarope is Though don't know for sure with regard to the US.

 

[waka waka]

No other significant notes, these birds were inland. Sacramento Valley. I did further reading on phalaropes and it appears that Red-necked would be common inland on the west coast. Also it apears to have a darker back than what a Red (Grey) would have. I'm going to go with Red-necked unless convinced otherwise. Thanks for the id tips.

 

[lou salomon]

slim bill, darker upperparts and eye-mask make them red-necked phals.