Plump, On Stilts

Semipalmated Plover

It takes a unique physique to make a living on the intertidal zone of Halibut Point. You have to wade in where possible, and dash out where necessary.

Ruddy Turnstone

The larger rhythms of the shoreline present foraging opportunities with the outgoing tide. Every moment on the ocean's rim balances opportunity with vigilance.


Sanderlings

During spring and fall migrating visitors from the sandpiper family stop at, or fly over Halibut Point. 


Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpipers have been on the prowl in tide pools for several weeks. Who can say whether this fellow has stayed in residence, or is part of a succession?

 
Stilt legs and a long beak suit him perfectly to harvesting the niche.


Semipalmated Sandpiper (L) and Least Sandpiper (R)

Individuals of similar species keeping close company provide an identification laboratory for outdoorsmen building their field skills.


Semipalmated Sandpiper and juvenile Spotted Sandpiper

No one would confuse these two birds. But this juvenile Spotted Sandpiper doesn't have spots yet, making it look a lot like a Solitary Sandpiper.


Spotted Sandpiper

Spotted Sandpipers are the only members of the clan to nest in this area, and the only one to come to the fresh-water quarries on Halibut Point. Most shorebirds pass through in the spring en route to Arctic breeding grounds. Adults start arriving here by mid July, through September, on their way to South America.


Ruddy Turnstone

One elegant sandpiper relative has been in residence on the shoreline since early August. This pair of Ruddy Turnstones joined the Semipalmated and Spotted Sandpipers at a promising hunting ground.
 

Ruddy Turnstone, breeding plumage

The turnstones--named for their hunting method on a pebble beach--found shrimp-like prey in the seaweed.
 

Ruddy Turnstone, juvenile plumage

This juvenile turnstone was happy to pick through a crab carcass demolished by a gull. The adults had already headed south. Young ones find their way to the wintering grounds unaccompanied by the adults. Some species migrate seasonally from the Arctic all the way to Tierra del Fuego, a distance of 10,000 or more miles. Plumping up in advance stores energy for the flight.

 

Purple Sandpipers

Purple sandpipers will come down to Halibut Point from their high-Arctic tundra breeding grounds to take up the northernmost winter residence of any shorebird. Their plump bodies will get thermal as well as other tests from the elements.


Purple Sandpipers