Spotted Sandpiper

1/800s at f8.0, ISO:800, Canon Mark III 1Ds w/800mm, 1.4x converter


The Spotted Sandpiper is a small shorebird. Their breeding habitat is near fresh water across most of Canada and the United States. They migrate to the southern United States and South America, and are very rare vagrants to Western Europe. These are not gregarious birds and are seldom seen in flocks. Spotted Sandpipers nest on the ground. During each summer breeding season, females may mate with and lay clutches for more than one male, leaving incubation to them. Male parents of first clutches may father chicks in later male\'s clutches, probably due to sperm storage within female reproductive tracts, which is common in birds. These birds forage on ground or water, picking up food by sight. They may also catch insects in flight. They eat insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. As they forage, they can be recognized by their constant nodding and teetering.
Medicine Creek, NE
 
05/13/2010