Another view of an adult Western Sandpiper in breeding plumage. From this angle you can see the distinctive rufous and brown scapular and covert patterns that are useful in separating Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers. Note that these feathers have rufous bases with dark brown anchor shapes at the tips and pale edges. The opposite of the pattern shown by Semipalmated Sandpipers (dark centers with rufous edges). The chance to study shorebirds that may be uncommon or rare in your home state is one of the exciting things about a birding trip to Alaska.