Hudsonian Godwit

hugo and bbpl
A Hudsonian Godwit has been hanging out at Fort Stevens for over a week now. This species, seen here with a Black-bellied Plover, normally migrates through the central part of the continent so an appearance on the west coast is a rare treat.

rump
Here is a glimpse of the bird’s white rump, one feature that helps separate it from the expected Marbled Godwits. Other differences include the gray-brown coloration, dark underwings, bold wing stripe, and obvious pale supercilium.

IMG_1051
Note how much yellow is present on one of these Black-bellied Plovers. This is apparently quite common on young Black-bellieds, but this is the first year I have seen it. These birds can be mistaken for American or Pacific Golden-Plovers at first glance, but the bulkier shape, thick bills, and different calls all point to Black-bellied Plover.

sanderling
Other birds sharing the beach with the godwit and plovers included Sanderlings,

IMG_1082
a Dunlin,

wesp 3
and Western Sandpipers. Notice the tiny bill on this individual, suggesting that the bird is a male.

IMG_1074
Sanderling, Western Sandpiper, and Dunlin

Happy Shorebirding!

One thought on “Hudsonian Godwit

  1. Great shots of the Hudsonian Godwit, thanks for sharing. I had hoped to get out there this week and it’s not happening so I will just squeal with delight at your pictures instead.. Happy Shorebirding indeed!

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