Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) 14 August 2012 at Salinas, Monterey Co, CA Photos © 2012 Joseph Morlan
This is an uncommon migrant in California, mostly in Fall. The vast majority are of juveniles, but this individual appears to be an adult. A mixture of dark centered (alternate plumage) feathers and pale centered (basic plumage) feathers can be seen in the scapulars and wing coverts. Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LX5 | Nikon FieldScope III | 30XWA | hand-held (no adapter). |