Red-backed

  

Along with the Red Knots yesterday, there was a mixed flock of shorebirds including Dunlin (Calidris alpina) and Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri).  Dunlin are a bit larger, with a longer bill, and in breeding plumage they have a black patch on their belly and bright rufous feathers on their backs.  There are two Dunlin in the photo above; the rest are Western Sandpipers.  

I had trouble finding a Dunlin that was in full view (not partially hidden by the surrounding birds), but here's one closer view (below).  While Dunlin are overwintering in Bodega Harbor, their upperparts are primarily gray, so it's always nice to see their new feathers coming in during the spring.  The beautiful rufous color on their backs in breeding plumage led to an older name for them = Red-backed Sandpiper.