White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis), Lake Cochise, Willcox, Cochise County

These White-rumped Sandpiper was discovered and photographed by Rick Taylor on 14 May 2012 and by Chris Benesh on 22 May 2012. 

White-rumped Sandpiper is a casual late Spring migrant to the state.  There are about a dozen previously accepted records.  The vast majority of the records have come from Willcox.

Large peep with shortish bill and long primary projection indicates either Baird's or White-rumped.  Combination of reddish-orange base to lower mandibles on both birds, pale rufous fringe to scapulars, streaked flanks, hint of white rump showing on thrid photo and strong eyeline eliminate Baird's. 

14 May 2012, photo by Rick Taylor

22 May 2012, photo by Chris Benesh

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