At outer Gull Point Sunday afternoon, initially thought these were immature Palm Warblers, due to the streaked chests and characteristic bobbing movement. Upon further consideration, however, the ‘correct answer’ is American Pipit, at least five or six of them – a fairly uncommon sighting at Presque Isle – which exhibit that same tail bobbing movement.
From All About Birds: “American Pipits have a long hind toe (called a hallux) and toenail, similar to longspurs. This adaptation probably helps them when walking and foraging on unstable ground, such as snowfields and mudflats.”
