The Sanderling
Calidris alba
Status : Autumn and Winter visitor
Length: 20-22 cm
Windspan :
36 -42 cm
Sanderlings are generally found on
sandy shores, they often run very quickly in and out of the surf
collecting
morsels of food and may be seen singly or in groups.
They are a small wader and have a
relatively short straight bill. In the winter the birds a white and light grey
plumage with black markings however in the breeding season the male has a rusty
red colouration to his upper chest and down his back.
In all stages of
plumage the bill and legs are black.
This Sanderling was photographed at St Margret's Beach, Co. Wexford in September 2007