Mastodawn

Sanderlings (Calidris alba)

#Sanderlings #BirdsOfMastodon #ArtWithOpenSource #Darktable #CCBYSA #Birds #BirdPhotography #Beach #Animals #AnimalPhotography #Nature #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #Photo #Photography

MikeF Jan 9

These Sanderlings and a Purple Sandpiper are not BFFs, but rather a nice example of niche partitioning, which can occur when two species with overlapping ecological niches share a habitat. These two small members of the Sandpiper genus Calidris are similarly sized, have similar body forms and similar dietary preferences for small invertebrates. However, Sanderlings are generalist feeders, adapting to a large range of food resources, which allows them to overwinter in this area (they can really boogie down when a large horseshoe crab carcass washes ashore in midwinter). They move around in large flocks, although they may disperse while feeding. They generally seem to prefer foraging on sandy beaches, where they seem to perform the Macarena at the surf-line. But, they are not reticent about feeding in other seashore habitats.

Purple Sandpipers seem to be more solitary in their foraging, although they will move around in small groups. They are also more specialized, foraging on small inverts living among the algae growing on rocky jetties and the like. They may be observed scurrying around jetties, completely undeterred by vertical rock faces, which they negotiate with the skill of Spiderman, with their big yellow feet, flexible toes and great coordination.

So, this group of Sanderlings found a pleasant lunch spot on these rocks. On the horizontal rock faces, they enjoy a competitive advantage over their Purple cousin, who accompanied them (possibly got some protection in the group), but fed on the vertical surfaces.

#birds #birding #birdphotography #birdsofmastodon #biodiversity #naturephotography #wildlife #ecology #Calidridae #Sanderlings #PurpleSandpiper

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Heliograph Nov 9

@nuthatch ah soo only now I get it, you're saying the #shorebirds i filmed aren't #waders (if they are those #sanderlings)! ok that makes sense, one cannot wade on an ocean rock!
@Jgbird

Heliograph Nov 8

spot the birdies #birdsofMastodon #sanderlings

What Bird?🦜Oct 6

🌍🌏🌎 Sanderling (Calidris alba) #CosmopolitanBirds #EurasianBirds #AfricanBirds #AustralasianBirds #NorthAmericanBirds #SouthAmericanBirds | #Sanderling #CalidrisAlba | #Sanderlings #Sandpipers #SandpiperFamily #Shorebirds #Waders 📷: Photo by JacekBen🦉 #MyBirdcards | #birdsoftheworld #birds ❤️🦜

Swede’s Photographs Jul 2, 2025

Where the Gulls Gather

This photograph was taken at Holly Beach, Louisiana, along the Gulf of Mexico. The upper two-thirds of the frame is awash in blue-tinted ocean, while the lower edge meets a stretch of brown, wave-worn sand. Swells roll in toward the shore, cresting into foamy white waves that spill over and leave behind scattered tide pools. On the beach, a gathering of roughly 40 shorebirds congregates at the water’s edge. Among them are various species—gulls, terns, sanderlings, and a few I couldn’t identify. Most stand quietly along the surf, but a handful lift into the air, winging low over their companions.

My photo gallery features over 1300 carefully selected images. While most are chosen for their visual appeal, a few stand out as novelty shots. Feel free to explore my gallery at:

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

#photo #photography #photographer #wildlife #nature #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #ocean #GulfofMexico #beach #shorebirds #gulls #terns #sanderlings

Strider Longshanks Mar 23, 2025

Went for a walk with wife, brother and sister-in-law yesterday at #CastleGregory, County #Kerry, #Ireland. The weather was very blustery and a keen cold wind blowing from the northwest. We all had our hats, coats and gloves on, and thermals! Aside from the pebbles in the sand, a group of 50 or so #sanderlings were racing up and down the beach in staccato fashion, but I'm not really sure what they were finding to eat. Our walk was cut short at either end by the streams flowing into the sea, as none of us had the required waterproof gear to ford them. Still managed 10K though, not bad for a generally rainy day!