[mou] Shorebird Help

[Pastor Al Schirmacher]

Many thanks to all of those who commented on the "mystery shorebird" 
pictures yesterday and this morning 
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/natester166).

The following potential identifications were suggested:  juvenile Stilt, 
juvenile Dunlin, Willet, Curlew Sandpiper (don't we wish!), Pectoral, 
Dowitcher species, LB Dowitcher, Godwit species.

Nathan and I have pretty well honed it down to juvy Stilt and Dunlin - with 
Curlew Sandpiper as a longshot due to extreme rarity in Minnesota.  In 
answer to questions, the bill was significantly downturned, there was a 
slight reddish cast to the plumage, Nathan remembers a white rump patch 
during movement, and there is the suggestion of a white V on the back when 
the photo is blown up and cropped.  The bird would not associate with the 
other Stilts present, if this is significant.

The following thoughts come to mind personally:

1) Shorebird ID is somewhat subjective - no matter how doctrinaire some 
people's opinions are

2) Photos, while helpful and even entertaining, often don't give us enough 
data for a solid ID

3) Lighting impacts shorebird ID endeavors significantly (field & photo)

4) Websites can be very helpful with particular ID issues (sometimes even 
more than field guides)

5) Birders are human and can dispute about anything.

We would appreciate any further opinions or follow up thoughts that people 
have.

Good birding to all!

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties

PS For those who were concerned during one listserv's tussle - Nathan is 16, 
has been birding 8+ years, and can handle most commentary.  He did raise his 
eyebrows at one or two statements :)