Sanderling
Here we have a Sanderling (Calidris alba), a bird that spends its winter on our sandy beaches before heading to the High Arctic for the nesting season. They are often misidentified as Piping Plovers during migratory periods as both small, white shorebirds (in nonbreeding plumage for the Sanderling anyway) feed along the water like this. A rufous breeding plumage pattern takes over where the gray is, and by May these birds look unique and spectacular. So much change in so little time…and so much flight distance covered before they nest and head back to us later in the summer. If that...
Read MoreSanderling (Calidris alba) by Scott Kruitbosch
This Sanderling (Calidris alba) is wondering where all the Piping Plovers are. A few have finally made their way to Long Island and Massachusetts but I have yet to receive a confirmed report for cold Connecticut. Last March our first individual was two weeks ago! Weather and climate play such an enormous role in the lives and successful breeding of our birds, especially those on the coast. Hurry up, PIPL!
Read MoreSanderlings (Calidris alba) by Scott Kruitbosch
These Sanderlings (Calidris alba) were feeding along the gentle waves of Long Island Sound today in Stratford, Connecticut. Note that the bird on the far right has a silver federal band that I unfortunately could not read. They were part of a group of over 100 combined Sanderling and Dunlin (Calidris alpina). The two species are typically found together in Connecticut through the winter but I was excited to see any shorebirds and many other spring waterbirds will be arriving shortly.
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