I read Walter Ellison's comments and analysis of Jeff's gorgeous 
shorebird photos with great interest.  Interestingly, my initial 
reaction to the first photo was that it was a juvenile - and beautifully 
plumaged - Semipalmated Sandpiper.  However, the crisp markings and the 
contrast between head and mantle made me nervous it might be a Baird's, 
especially since the angle made it difficult to assess the primary 
projection which usually is so obvious on a Baird's.

I would add to Walter's comments that the bill shape (which is why I was 
drawn to Semipalmated) is telling.  Comparison with the other photos 
shows the bill on the Semi definitely to be shorter and thicker.  But 
most of us would also be tempted to say the bill was not exactly stubby 
or tubular or some of the other words often used to describe the bill 
shape of Semipalmated Sandpiper.  A reminder that bill shape can and 
does vary  in the small sandpipers enough to cause confusion - and to 
remind us caution is in order when identifying  these guys. I wonder how 
many were tempted to call the first bird a Western?

Pipit.