The good news is that there is a Dowitcher behind the Ponto Vecchio
condo building (private property) way out on the mudflats by the
Hunting Creek Bridge, and clearly in the City of Alexandria. The bad
news is that I have no idea if it is a Long-billed or Short-billed. I
know Short-billed is more common around here.
The bird was about a quarter-mile away and I took the best photos
possible with my 400mm lens. And then blew the photos up 4 times.
The result is horrible for all three photos.
Now, according to Sibley's, the level of rufous on it's neck and belly
indicates Long-billed. But nearly everywhere else I looked stated
that it is very difficult to tell them apart based on plumage.
The bird was way to far away for the photos to show detail such as
dark streaks on the neck vs. spots (as indicated in Sibleys), and the
bird never flew or made any noise in the hour I watched it. But
looking at it through my scope, the rufous on it's neck and belly (and
lower) really seemed intense.
Remember, the photos are horrid.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sherseydc/5991533293/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sherseydc/5991533101/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sherseydc/5991533465/in/photostream
Or, just go to my photos and click on each one individually...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sherseydc/
So, knowledgeable VABirders, do I have to record it as the dreaded
"Dowitcher sp"?
Cheers,
Steve Hersey
Alexandria, VA
