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This is a brightened copy of IMG_2309, provided compliments of John Idzikowski. Worn and fresh feathers are present, indicating a transitional plumage adult Calidris. Note reduced streaking in center of breast, fading buffy wash on breast, strong contrast of the cap with lower parts of the head, obvious whitish supercilium, the dark necklace, clear throat, limited view of tibia (only the joint is sticking out), and faded chevron- and arrowhead-shaped marks along flank. The pale eye ring is visible even at this oblique angle. Additional evidence for Sharp-tailed can be seen in the lengths of the raised tail feathers. Four members of the six pairs are visible, each with a different length. This means the three outer pairs cannot be the same length. (The three outer pairs should be approximately the same length on Pectoral Sandpiper.) The breast shows a mix of coarse and fine streaks. Transitional Sharp-tailed Sandpiper is known to show a mix of coarse and fine streaks, while feathers with coarse streaking replace feathers with coarse streaking on Pectoral. Photographed by Scott J. Spangenberg. Location: South Beach Chatham, Massachusetts, USA Photographed with Canon D60 with Canon 100-400mm IS lens. Copyright 2003, All Rights Reserved Image 4 of 29, file: calidris5.jpg in catalog STSA