SANDERLING
Anywhere there is beach habitat in Essex County, you are likely to find sanderling during migration. In May and then again in August and September, you’ll see these small sandpipers scurrying along the shoreline, looking for food. This species tends not be afraid of people, so if you stay in one location, they will often approach quite close to you.
The Sanderling is most commonly seen in flocks chasing receding waves on ocean beaches, and running away from them when they return. It breeds in the high Arctic and winters along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts from Canada to Argentina.
Adult Description
Small pale sandpiper.
Broad white wingstripe bordered in black, visible in flight.
Immature Description
Juvenile similar to nonbreeding adult, but mottled black and white on back. Usually with buffy patch on sides of breast, streaked with fine black markings.
*Image and description were sourced from: allaboutbirds.org
