Greater Yellowlegs | Sandpiper

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photographer Rick Carlson.

This Sandpiper was at a neighbourhood creek near my home when I photographed it. There is also a Lesser Yellowlegs which has a shorter bill and shorter legs. I believe I first mis-identified this bird as a Solitary Sandpiper but as the two varieties of Sandpipers are so similar in shape, colour and feather markings, I'm not 100% positive. I've looked through a lot of websites and field guides but the information and photos they offer are inconsistent. Both birds have similar feathers and a white ring around the eye area.

Sandpipers are known for constantly bobbing their heads and bodies up and down while looking for food in the water.

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hide photo detail info location: Saskatoon, SK | shooting date: 2006-08-13 | camera: Nikon D200 | lens: Nikon 300 AF ED IF f4 @ 420mm (630mm in 35mm film SLR) | aperture: f/5.6 | support: Handheld

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