High School Student Learns the "Tricky" Skill of Advanced Shorebird ID Thanks to SFBBO Scholarship

By Guest Blogger Sebastian Casarez

​First of all, I would like to thank the SFBBO donors for providing the Advanced Shorebirds Workshop for those that are from underrepresented backgrounds. I appreciate the time and effort that Mr. Alvaro Jaramillo has put into preparing this educational Shorebirds Workshop. I found this workshop to be informative and it has contributed to my California shorebirds identification skills.

Shorebirds can often be tricky for birders to identify. The type ...

of format Mr. Jaramillo used to differentiate each shorebird was very explanatory. I knew that the names of small sandpipers are called “Peeps” in North America. I was fascinated to learn that in Europe and Asia they are called “Stints.” That was interesting to know. It is always helpful to learn different types of ID tips on Short-billed Dowitchers and Long-billed Dowitchers.

I was curious about the differences between Black-winged Stilts and partial leucistic Black-necked Stilts. I learned from Mr. Jaramillo that the way to tell the difference between a Black-winged Stilts and partial leucistic Black-necked Stilts was by their distinguished calls and by a single black feather on the head.

Besides Wilson’s Phalaropes being one of my favorite shorebirds, I also enjoy listening to  Wilson’s Snipe’s winnowing calls when it vibrates its tail against the wind.
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This workshop made me look forward to visiting California next spring to look for all these beautiful California birds; especially my bucket list bird the Tufted Puffin.

Thank you, SFBBO, SFBBO Donors, & Alvaro Jaramillo! Happy Birding!

Sebastian Casarez is 17-year-old high school student and avid Texas birder.