I almost always have trouble identifying shore birds, especially the different kinds of sandpipers. On Thursday, I spotted a single sandpiper-like bird in the shallow water of a pond at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Initially I thought it might be a Solitary Sandpiper, but when I got a good look at its legs, I leaned towards calling it a Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)—Solitary Sandpipers have greenish legs.
It was fascinating to watch the little bird move through the water, carefully raising its feet. On land, it seemed to prance a bit. In the final photo, the bird was flexing its wings as part of its grooming routine and seemed to be keeping an eye on me.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice encounter, Mike.
I might reconsider the Solitary Sandpiper. The photographs don’t show bright yellow legs, but light, as you know can be tricky.
The eye ring seems more prominent, the spots on the back more distinct and the bill may be a bit more substantial than a Yellowlegs.
All that said, you were there and should always go with YOUR feeling!
Cool bird no matter what its name is.