Posted by Dave Irons (205.188.197.59) on December 08, 2000 at 20:15:53:
The shorebird is obviously a Tringa. I would agree with those who think the bird is a Yellowlegs. I believe that Solitairy Sandpiper is rather quickly eliminated by the length of the lower legs. Even though part of the lower legs and feet are obscured, that section of the leg is at least as long if not longer than the exposed upper leg. A Solitairy would show shorter legs overall and much shorter tarsi. Secondly, a Solitairy would have darker wing coverts and back with smaller light spotting, not looking as 'spangled' as this bird.
The separation of GRYE and LEYE is much dicier given just a single photo to work with. Despite a 'jizz' that favors GRYE in a couple ways, I think this bird is a juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs. The heavily spangled black and white pattern on the back and wing coverts favors LEYE. While I have seen some fairly patterned GRYE they always seem to be paler gray and less patterned on the back and coverts than this bird. The bill is a little troubling as it seems slightly heavy for a LEYE but it seems to be fairly short and straight without the typcial slight upturn of a GRYE. Finally, the breast while gray lacks any real streaking or pattern which also favors LEYE>
The nightjar is obviously a tough one. I agree with those who think the primary extension is on the short side for a Common. The other thing I notice is that the primary tips seems awfully rounded as opposed to the more pointed primaries of a Common. This bird also seems to have a very rounded crown and a blunt look to the face and bill. My recollection is that Commons have a much flatter crown when perched which gives the face and bill profile a little more elongated look. Based on now real expertise whatsover I will GUESS that this bird is a Lesser Nighthawk.