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Calidris alba
The Sanderling is a small plump sandpiper, 18–20 cm in length. The winter bird is very pale, almost white apart from a dark shoulder patch. This is the source of the specific name, alba, which is the Latin for "white". Later in the summer, the face and throat become brick-red. It can be told from other small wading birds, given good views, by its lack of a hind toe. (Wikipedia)
The Sanderling breeds in the High Arctic areas of North America, Europe and Asia. In Eurasia it breeds Spitsbergen, and areas of northern Russia from the Taymyr Peninsula to the New Siberian Islands. In the northern winter it has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution across the world's marine coasts. It is a complete migrant, travelling between 3,000 to 10,000 km from its breeding grounds to its wintering sites. Birds that travel further also arrive later and leave sooner.
Photographed in the beach of 'El Palmar'
6 Comments
Thanks for your comments Sachin and Emma. But... Emma I think you have made a comment about another animal :)
I love the way the Fossa is sleeping. Must be a very comfortable and confident animal
Beautiful series
Thanks for your comments Victoria and Anjali :)
Despite being a crowded beach in summer, it has a rich biodiversity in winter.
Agree, water behind adds a lot to the photographs...
Great photos, the water movement behind the birds is fantastic