Sanderling

A pale little wader that runs along the edge of breaking waves.

A recording has not been added yet. Use the identification notes below for now.

I know this bird · Record a sighting Where to look & how to find it ↓

FIELDCRAFT · FIND WITH CARE

Finding guide

Season first

Choose the season, find the habitat, then watch patiently. Search guidance is not a measure of rarity or conservation status.

When to go: Mainly autumn to spring, including passage
Where to start: View tidelines and sandbanks from public beach paths, avoiding protected nesting areas.
What to do when you arrive: In winter, watch pale little waders running along the tideline from a dry, safe position. Let them pass naturally rather than chasing along the beach.

Habitat and behaviour reference: BirdWatch Ireland ↗ · The practical steps are editorial advice based on the references, not live sightings.

SPECIES NOTESSpecies notes

How to identify it

Black bill and legs, very pale grey winter back, white underside and dark shoulder patch. Breeding birds are rustier. Bill shorter and straighter than Dunlin's.

Habitat

Sandy and shingle beaches, sandbanks and the intertidal zone.

Behaviour

Runs after retreating waves to pick up exposed invertebrates.

When to look

Mainly autumn to spring, including passage

Where to look

View tidelines and sandbanks from public beach paths, avoiding protected nesting areas.

Reference photos do not show every sex, age, season or geographic form; use the identification notes too.

Further reading:BirdWatch Ireland ↗ · Wikipedia ↗

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