30 December, 2009

Sanderling


Scientific Name: Calidris alba

Population Estimate: 620K to 700K

Range / Habitat: Circumpolar arctic breeder in grassland tundra. Otherwise found in marine intertidal areas and wetlands. Complete migrator with worldwide distribution, including Australia and New Zealand.

Field Notes: Larger sandpiper than the peeps. Winter plumage as above with strikingly black legs and bill against white neck, chest, belly. White shoulder patch. Breeding plumage with rufous neck and head. Compared to other shorebirds, lacks hind toe. Characteristic "bicycling" or "clockwork" behavior of chasing the waves out, then running back in front of incoming waves.

Personal Notes: I love my ladee.

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