Posted by Jim Greaves (207.71.237.186) on January 15, 2001 at 11:31:03:
I posted a comparison shot of Pectoral and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers made in fall 1979 at Goleta (Santa Barbara, CA). Though a bit dark (shot with mostly back-lighting), some "key" differences are discernible: crown pattern/color; wing/tail extensions; possible differences in shape and length of bills; patterns on coverts, and number of feathers on each (?). I would lean towards Pectoral for the mystery bird. Hope my photo helps:
http://www.silcom.com/~greaves/uncommonwaterbirds.html
Smudge on breast of 1979 Sharp-tail (in photo of bird alone) was either oil from mosquito abatement in the creek, or mud (it shows up better in a front view I did not scan for posting).