Sharp-tailed sandpiper at Iona

Sept 22 2016 Iona Sewage Ponds Sunny 21c

Thanks to Tak Shibata for the lead on the sharp-tailed sandpiper and another tip of the hat to Wayne Weber who with his scope found the bird when it had been flushed by a northern harrier, his expertise enabled me to get this ID shot. Thanks to both birders for their help. The sharpie is a year bird for me.
I have included a pectoral sandpiper (background) for comparison purposes. This shot handheld with a D500 with the 200mm-500mm Nikon zoom from 75 metres. A long way off, but taking all things into consideration I am more than happy to post it here.

 

The Sharp-tailed sandpiper has a buffy breast, stouter beak and a pronounced reddish cap.

"It's never too late to start birding"

John Gordon

Langley/Cloverdale

BC Canada