Documentation of White-rumped Sandpiper
2026-032

Observer Information

Reporter:  John J. Rawinski  239 Cotten Lane,   MONTE VISTA, CO  81144
E-mail:  jrrawinski@outlook.com
Other Observers:  Just me

Species, Date, Time and Location Information

Species:  White-rumped Sandpiper
First Date/Time:  5/26/2026 7:10:00 AM
Last Date/Time:  5/26/2026 8:30:00 AM
Duration (total time in view):  1 hour
County:  Costilla
Specific Location:  Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Reservoir
Number:  8
Age:  Multiple Birds - Mixed
Sex:  Multiple Birds - Mixed
Plumage:  Breeding

Habitat

Feeding as a group along the lakeshore gravels.

Viewing Conditions

Optics:  20-60 Vortex Diamondback, 8X32 Swarovskis
Distance:  As close as 30 feet
Light:  Very good. Slightly overcasts so light was uniform, not contrasty.

Description of the Bird

I first saw the birds from 150 yards. I knew I had to close the gap. As I did and before I got close, they flushed and went north. In a little while I drove north and was delighted to see the had landed. I approached from the north so I could get the best light for photos. 

When I got within 60 feet I put the scope on them. They looked in shape much like a Bairds, where the wing tips exceed the length of the tail. I would estimate about 7 inches long. Bill is short and straight much like a Bairds with very slight decurve, legs dark like Bairds. But the very splotchy heavily spotted appearance of the breast was very different than the Bairds. In addition, dark streaks went down the flanks and sides of the birds. Breast and belly otherwise white. Back, head were mottled black spotting on browinh base. 

A quick look at the book showed they were all breeding plumage adults. 

I flushed them by accident and took some quick photos. The rump was pure white. It did not have the central dark stripe down the rump like Bairds would. 

I have been keeping bird notes for 40 years. I have documented many WRSA over the years and predictably the bulk of them come through in late May and early June. These are right on track.  

 

Similar Species Discussion

Bairds Sandpipers are similar in shape, leg color, and wing length beyond the tail featers. However, Bairds have a light brown lightly streaked breast and no streak on the sides and flanks. Not Western, Semi-palmated or Least due to wind tips exceed tail length. 

Sanderling is slightly larger,  has black shoulder patch, or may be rufous colored in breeding plumage on breast. 

Bill way too small for dunlin.  

Previous Experience

 I have seen this species late in migration off and on for some years. They come through late May and early June and these are right on time. They are like the final wave of springtime shorebirds through the Valley. 

Notes

Review of photos

Materials Available

Photographer: John J Rawinski, John J Rawinski, John J Rawinski, John J Rawinski

Photos |

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Date Documentation Submitted

6/3/2026 3:33:00 PM
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Location Map

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