A mud flat is created when the SC Department of Natural Resources lets the water out of a section of the old rice fields at Bear Island Wildlife Management Area. The little shore “peeps” of all varieties gather for feeding.

The Least Sandpiper is one of the smallest of the little “peeps” that wade through the mud, foraging for food.

It’s fascinating to see the flocks take off in one motion and fly as a group to a new location.