Upon further review and more sets of eyes, we believe the Red Knot we saw in Harrier Meadow is a Curlew Sandpiper.
Your input most welcome. It was seen on a mudflat by Harrier Meadow, along with Semipalmated Plovers, Dunlin, and Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers. Two White-rumped Sandpipers were seen by some in our small group.
The photo above is not too hot, but the bird was quite distant — tough to see without a spotting scope. (Thanks, Rob, Ray, Mike and Co.)
Harrier Meadow is closed to the public, but the Meadowlands Commission and Bergen County Audubon are having a special free walk at Harrier Meadow from 11:30 to 12:30 tomorrow (Saturday) if you want to see for yourself. You will need to sign a standard 2011 liability waiver, which you can download from link in left-hand column.
Direcyions to Harrier Meadow are in the lefthand column as well.
Bring spotting scope, bug spray, and sunblock.
Hi-
This is not a Red Knot. It is a Curlew Sandpiper. The long curved bill, patch of white at the base of the bill, and the rich chestnut/maroon color all clearly illustrate this.
Is there still a consensus that the bird Chris and Mike saw on Thursday morning was a Red Knot?
We now think that the bird seen yesterday was the Curlew Sandpiper — distant looks.
In talking to Mike N–the Thurs bird upon further review was the Curlew Sand.
My vote is for curlew sandpiper. How cool!
Yes, we absolutely concur — Curlew sandpiper. Thanks for all the input!