A small flock of Sanderlings seemed at rest…
…then they set off at full speed at some hidden signal.
Racing the surf, they always make me smile with their zippy trot.
They had places to go, but not so urgent they needed to fly.
Folly Beach, SC
September 19, 2022
A momentary pause before he zips down the beach.
Folly Beach, SC
September 19, 2022
SanderlingFolly Beach, SC
October 14, 2021
With places to go this Sanderling passed me by on the run.
Hardly touching the ground he zipped along.
Full steam ahead!
Folly Beach, SC
October 14, 2021
Sanderlings poke and prod the sand as they work up and down the beach, eating little creepy-crawlies they feel with their beaks.
This one was intrigued by a dead crab. Could it be a treasure?
Not so sure, he tried the other side. He gave the crab a couple of pokes and moved on. This treasure was trash for this bird.
Sanderlings are known for being “wave chasers,” probing into the sand at the ocean’s edge. This fellow was running down the river’s edge just after low tide when the water was hardly moving.
What, am I in the wrong place?
No matter, he continued on his way, full speed ahead.
The receding tide leaves swirled depressions in the sand along the tidal river edge. Ankle twisters if you happen to step in one, but perfect places for Sanderlings to poke around.
Hmmm, what is in this hole.
Nothing.
Oh look, there’s another one!
I spotted this group of Sanderlings driving along Indian River Lagoon in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The immediately took off, but returned with a flourish in just a few minutes.
I’ve usually seen them running along the surf, but this one loan Sanderling took a dip in water up to his belly.
Click on either photo for larger view.
