Documentation of
Northern Waterthrush
2012-229
Observer Information
Reporter:
Polly Neldner
PO Box 358,
La Veta,
CO 81055
E-mail:
pollywren@gmail.com
Other Observers:
Paul Neldner; I believe we are the original finders of this bird.
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Northern Waterthrush
First Date/Time:
8/17/2012
Last Date/Time:
Duration (total time in view):
Around 5 minutes
County:
Alamosa
Specific Location:
Area 92 of Blanca Wetlands
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Unknown
Plumage:
Other/Unknown
Habitat
Riparian. High mountain valley. Sage, Russian Olive, willows. Grassy area surrounding waterway.
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
Swarovski EL 8.5X42 and Swarovski and Swarovski 10X42 binoculars. 500mm lens
Distance:
approximately 25-30 ft.
Light:
Slightly overcast, alternately sunny. Light quality was very good. Bird was in the open, not shaded.
Description of the Bird
White supercilium, narrow toward rear of supercilium. Dense black streaks across breast, extending down the flanks. Approximately 6 inches long. Brown crown neck and back. Squarish tail. Legs were relatively long and appeared "pinkish". Relatively thin "sharp looking" beak.
Behaviors: Bird was walking and, for short distances, running along the banks of the waterway, bobbing it's tail.
Call: None heard
Plumage: Yellow adult
Similar Species Discussion
Although tail bobbing would suggest Spotted Sandpiper, this bird was streaked, not spotted eliminating both breeding and non-breeding of Spotted Sandpiper. Bold supercilium also eliminates Spotted Sandpiper, as does blunt squarish tail and the yellowish wash of the Northern Waterthrush
Resources Used
Sibley Guide to Birds, Peterson Field Guide to Birds, Stokes' Field guide. Sources were used to confirm after the sighting.
Previous Experience
We see Spotted Sandpipers with a great deal of regularity and were able to quickly eliminate that species. Have seen Northern Waterthrush in Costa Rica and Lamar, CO
Notes
Notes made DURING observation
Date Documentation Submitted
8/21/2012 1:18:00 PM
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