New to the World, The Pectoral Sandpiper
by Bryce W. Robinson
I know I’ve promised photos of the chicks I’ve seen on the tundra, and have yet to share anything. I’ll admit, photographing these little things is a lot more challenging than I had imagined. They seem to never stop moving, and if you don’t keep a keen eye trained to them at all times, they hunker under some grass, no longer to be seen.
I have had a bit of luck, mainly with chicks that are a bit older. One thing I like about looking at lone chicks, is the exercise of identifying the bird. It is a bit tricky, but it forces you to pay attention to certain helpful traits, and ignore body plumage altogether. The first thing I noticed about the young Pectoral Sandpiper pictured above, is the distinctive bill. Pale at the base, dark at the tip, with a slight down curve, thinning at the end. Obviously a Pec!
ornithologi.com 
Reblogged this on Adaochia's Blog.
Bryce,
It is very challenging to photograph shorebird chicks but you did and excellent job with this one and you even got a catchlight in the eye!
Lovely bird and image.
Luck often shines my way, Mia. Thanks for the kind words!
Young shorebirds like this are very difficult to photograph well, which is exactly what you’ve done here, Bryce. Really enjoyed your description of the distinguishing characteristics of the bill for these young birds – I followed your words as I was looking at the photo. You used perfect descriptors…
Thanks for the praise Ron. I want to articulate how I identify harder birds. It’s a challenge, so It’s nice to hear positive feedback.