Dunlin

Description:

This is the winter plumage of the Dunlin, a small migratory wader. A few hundred grouped together. Please watch the video of the aerial maneuvers. https://www.youtube.com/edit?video_refer...

Habitat:

Spotted at the break of dawn at Damon Point, Ocean Shores, Wa. They were on the northerly side of the island where their isn't much waves. The beach there is a sand and mud mix. Their preferred habitats are tidal flats, beaches, muddy pools; wet tundra in summer. During migration and winter, widespread in coastal habitats; mainly mudflats, but also sand beaches, rocky shores. Inland, occurs on lake shores, sewage ponds, flooded fields.

Notes:

The dunlin moves along the coastal mudflat beaches it prefers with a characteristic "sewing machine" feeding action, methodically picking small food items. Insects form the main part of the dunlin's diet on the nesting grounds; it eats molluscs, worms and crustaceans in coastal areas.