Pectoral Sandpiper – Page 8 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Pipit, Baird’s & Pectoral

The tide was not very high this afternoon and was already well on its way out when I arrived at Boundary Bay later in the afternoon. An initial recce from the dyke was not turning up much other than some Baird’s and Pectoral Sandpipers.

After making my way down to the beach to start my walk back I noticed a couple of American Pipits along the shoreline. This small slender bird normally nests further north or in higher terrain.

During migration it is common to see them along the beach foraging for insects. I have seen them in this area for a few weeks now.

Next up,

… were several Baird’s Sandpipers.

There was about half a dozen of them that I could see this afternoon.

They were in the same area as a larger group of Pectoral Sandpipers.

Wanting to try and get something a little different this afternoon,

… I got this one fanning its wings after bathing.

And this one while taking a bath.

Meanwhile the others continued to forage along the beach.

More Pecs

It was back to Boundary Bay late this afternoon. The initial walk and check of the tidal pools was only turning up Pectoral Sandpipers.

So I figured why not.

I always enjoy spending time with these cooperative sandpipers.

After my initial approach,

… it was not long before they were in close.

I was also easily moving between the small groups.

Sometimes not even having to do that as one group moved by,

… and another moved in.

Then there were those that just wanted to rest.

On my way back there was plenty of activity with the rising tide. Lots of Black-bellied Plovers, Sanderling and Western Sandpipers. The flocks seemed skittish and always on the move, so I felt it unlikely I would be able to get close enough.

Pectoral Sandpipers

This afternoon it was back out to Boundary Bay. On heading out along the dyke I was noticing mostly Pectoral, Baird’s and Least Sandpipers around the tidal pools. There were some Semiplamated Plovers further out. I continued out to 96 St. and then made my way down to the beach. There was not much around between here and the old pilings. As there seemed to be lots of Pectoral Sandpipers today, I continued back to where I had seen them. On relocating one nice sized group I decided to focus on them.

They seemed a little uneasy on my approach.

So I dropped down and proceeded on my knees and they settled back into their routine.

Before you know it, they were striking nice poses for me.

While some relaxed and rested amongst the seaweed,

… others continued foraging for food.

After probing the ground this one came up draped in seaweed.

As you can see they were quite comfortable with my being there now. Some even wandering in too close for photos. That is when you just sit back and enjoy.