Semipalmated Sandpiper (click to see the larger version)

I saw a late (or early) Semipalmated Sandpiper on the beach inside the protected area this afternoon. We’re in a gray period for shorebird migration now and determining which way they’re going can be difficult. If I had to guess I’d say this bird is a very late northbound migrant, though if it showed up a week from now I’d lean more towards an early fall migrant. There was also a fledgling Spotted Sandpiper running around on the beach inside the protected area.