Spotted Sandpiper at water's edge
Spotted sandpipers typically are first seen in my area near the end of April and this year was no exception. This small shorebird is easily identified by its spotted underside, its near constant bobbing, and its stuttering flight of rapid wingbeats interspersed by short glides.
Spotted sandpipers forage along the shoreline and over the years I have noticed that early in the morning they frequent the earth and rock dam of the local lake. Insects perched on the rocks are easy picking for the sandpipers.
And even crevasses are not safe spots to hide from these fast moving sharp eyes little birds.
You have to know that the first picture with the reflection is my favourite.
ReplyDeletePerfect coloration to blend right into those rocks. There are so many different sandpipers it's really hard for me to tell which is which. The spotted sandpiper is listed as common in Interior Alaska in my Alaska bird book, so I'll have to keep my eyes open.
ReplyDeleteAh, terrific photos, Coy! But that first one is just perfect, and I choose it!
ReplyDeleteI was able to photograph some Spotted Sandpipers for the first time last month. I love how they constantly bob up and down. They're shy little birds.
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