Rare Bird Report #: 78-B-06

Idaho Bird Records Committee Rarities Report Form

Species: Snowy Plover

Reporter: Jay Carlisle

6105 Kirkwood Rd

Boise, ID 83709

jaycarlisle@boisestate.edu

Other Observers: seen separately same afternoon by Marty Collar

Date Report Prepared: 9-20-06

Date Sighting Occurred: 7-25-99

Locality of Observation: American Falls Reservoir, ~ 1/8 mile W of Willow Bay Marina. I parked in the large parking area just west of the marina and scanned the edge of the reservoir from there.

Habitat: mudflat

Conditions: Not sure exactly but I do remember it being clear & hot (likely 90’s)

Did you take notes? no

Did you consult a field guide or other reference work? during the observation

What guide(s) or reference(s) did you consult?

National Geographic

Description: I saw the bird at approximately 50-75m distance during midday (don’t remember time exactly) using binoculars (Eagle Optics 10x42) and a spotting scope (Kowa 60mm at about 40x). Clearly a plover based on shape (long legs, plump body); the short, dark bill; and the dark feathering on the sides of chest, forehead, and auriculars. The back was a pale gray-tan and the underparts were all white except for the small dark patches on the sides of the chest. The legs and bill were dark.

Behavior: The bird was foraging on the mudflat just up from the waterline. It was feeding alone but was seen nearby 2 other shorebirds - a Killdeer and a Whimbrel (see separate report). It foraged by leaning over to peck at the ground in between short walks or runs.

How and when did you positively identify the bird, and what clinched the identification for you? Immediately – the pale plumage and small size combined with the dark legs & bill were sufficient.

How did you eliminate similar species, and what were they? Similar appearing plovers include Semipalmated and Piping (very unexpected) – both of which have orange legs. Semipalmated is also much darker brown above and has a complete breast band. Killdeer are much larger and have 2 complete breast bands.

Experience with this species (and similar species): I have observed well over 100 Snowy Plovers, including on the wintering grounds in California and Texas and breeding grounds in California and Oregon. I have seen at least 50 Piping Plovers, especially in South Dakota, Texas, and Connecticut. Lastly, I have seen hundreds of Semipalmated Plovers all over the US.

General birding experience: extensive; 14+ years in US and Latin America

Were photo(s), video, and/or audio obtained by you? (If yes, please include or attach) No.

Note: As noted above (in ‘Other Observers’), I called Marty Collar (Pocatello) soon after this sighting. He rushed out to the same area and was able to re-find this bird.