The Ocean Wanderers Bird ID page

Broad-billed Sandpiper, Limicola falcinellus

Just a bit of fun! Although I was able to take extensive notes, the bird was a little too far for useful pictures. Others were able to get closer during the subsequent week and managed to get more convincing pictures. For example, check out Steve Walter's excellent video grabs.

A few birders enjoying the immature Broad-billed Sandpiper that visited Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Queens, New York at the end of August 1998.

The bird on the far left is the Broad-billed Sandpiper while the two other peeps are Semi-palmated Sandpipers. The longer bill and more elongated body shape are clearly visible. In life, the bird appeared more black and white than these pictures suggest.

Dreadful zoom-in showing very little indeed!

Here is a brief description of this first record for New York State.

Alternatively, check out Bill Benner's own accounts of his terrific discovery:
Benner, W. (1998) Broad-billed Sandpiper: First record for Lower 48 States. Kingbird 48: 182-185.
Benner, W. L. (1999) Broad-billed Sandpiper - Jamaica Bay, New York. Field Notes 52(4): 513-516.