Date: 4/12/26 7:42 pm From: Robert Keiffer via groups.io <rjkeiffer...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Surfbird or Spotted Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpipers also always have that whitish triangle on the shoulder.
> On Apr 12, 2026, at 6:36 PM, Lisa D. Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...> wrote:
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> On 2026-04-12 4:46 pm, Michael Coustier via groups.io wrote:
>> Newbie here.
>> I came across a new bird ( to me ) near Walk On Beach / Sea Ranch.
>> I convinced myself it's a Spotted Sandpiper, but looking at other
>> reports from the area show Surfbird as more likely.
>> Also, the habitat of Spotted Sandpipers suggest they're more of a
>> shorebird / freshwater.
>> I went with Spotted Sandpiper due to: Beak color/black at tip -
>> Surfbird seems to be more black on top.
>> The Surfbird looks to have a darker coloring on the back.
>> I thought maybe the leg coloring was more Surfbird, but I also find
>> similar colors on some Spotted Sandpipers.
>> Ugh.
>> With these few pixels, can any of you help me verify?
> Spotted Sandpiper is correct. I believe most of the Surfbirds have headed north by now. Note that the bi-colored bill of the Surfbird (in image attached) is shorter than the bill of a Spotted Sandpiper (also attached). Spotted Sandpipers bob their tails up and down while walking and are overall a much slimmer bird in appearance.
>
> Hope this helps :)
>
>
> Lisa Walker,
> Fort Bragg-Cleone
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> <110324Surfbird.JPG>
> <041325SpottedSandpiperB.JPG>
