Sanderling

Description:

This is the winter plumage of this small wading bird. Their bills are shorter than the dunlin but much stouter. Their feet are quick as they chase the waves as they retreat stopping frequently to pick small food items. It eats small crabs and other small invertebrates.

Habitat:

Spotted at Chinook County Park beach.

Notes:

It is a circumpolar Arctic breeder, and is a long-distance migrant, wintering south to South America, South Europe, Africa, and Australia. It is highly gregarious in winter, sometimes forming large flocks on coastal mudflats or sandy beaches.