Larger than the checklist’s most common ‘peep’ sandpiper, the Least Sandpiper. Tends to feed on dry land and not in the water. Breeds in the arctic tundra and mainly migrates through the Central Flyway. Juveniles are rare but regular on the coast during fall migration. Migrates south to southern South America.
Similar species:
‘Peep’ sandpipers are a challenging group of birds to tell apart. Baird’s are a larger sandpiper even larger than Western Sandpiper. Wingtips project well beyond the tail. Plumage pale and buffy and the pattern on the back is scaly. Compare with more brightly coloured Least and Western Sandpiper.
Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Noteworthy Data
Date | Location | Source(s) | Comments |
| 17-Sep-2010 | Harrison Lake | K. R. Jones | One feeding along lagoon shore. |
| 13-Sep-2010 | Harrison Lake | J. Vooys, E. Klassen | Two feeding along lagoon shore |
| 7-Sep-2010 | Harrison Lake | J. Perrin | One feeding along lagoon shore. Seen also on 8 Sept 2010 |
| 03-May-2010 | Harrison Lake | C. McDonald | One adult |
| 18-August-2008 | Chehalis River Estuary | K. Stewart | Flock of six. Seen again Aug 19, 2008. |
Photos
