Wilson’s Phalarope Hornsby
I estimated 330 Wilson’s phalarope at Hornsby in this flock, about 100 in a 2nd flock yesterday. 12 shorebird species.

I estimated 330 Wilson’s phalarope at Hornsby in this flock, about 100 in a 2nd flock yesterday. 12 shorebird species.

When identifying a Semipalmated Plover, the latter word can rhyme with lover or rover. Both are technically correct. Eric and I are both right!!! What else is news!! Article at Audubon Magazine Article at Audubon Magazine
Here’s a comparison between a molting adult (right) and a 1st fall Lesser yellowlegs. Notice the immaculate patterns on the back of the left bird (juve). The adult’s alternate feathers are worn and dull in the coverts and scapulars. You can see emerging basic mantle feathers on the adult which are gray and large and…
6 species of shorebird at Hornsby this morning, including an example of “frosty vs brown” shorebirds. I don’t recall so many, and so long staying, Avocets at Hornsby before. At last a dozen there today.
What a great trip to the coast with the 2022 TAS Shorebird Class!!! Highlights for me were the Aplomado falcons and Elegant Tern (life bird!!), as well as the good company of bird nerds !!
Here’s an Empid (and friends) we had on field trip today. Maybe someone else can post the other flycatcher (which I neglected to get pix of).
Here’s a distant photo which illustrates how beneficial looking for paler hues can be. From Hornsby last night. These 2 Wilson’s Phalaropes really stick out. There’s also a really pale sandpiper to the left of Phalaropes which I did not notice at the time, but I’m thinking Semipalmated due to how “frosty” it looks compared…