Sanderling preening in pastel evening light, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

A sanderling preens in the pastel light of dusk after the sun had slipped behind the dunes

Sanderling in the warm glow of sunset, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

A sanderling pauses for a moment to soak in the last rays of daylight in Parker River NWR

A sanderling feeds with its reflection, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

A sanderling reflected in still water as it feeds in late evening light at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Searching semipalmated sandpiper, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

A semipalmated sandpiper searches the exposed sands for a late afternoon meal in Parker River NWR

On my most recent trip to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, the only sandpipers I saw and photographed were sanderlings. The exception was this lone semipalmated sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) mixed in with the flock, which gave me a few chances to diversify my photographs from the outing.

View more of my photographs of sandpipers.

Sanderling preening at sunset, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

A sanderling pauses a moment to preen its feathers in the fading light of sunset on Plum Island

I really enjoy watching sandpipers preen. It's just an ordinary part of their existence, but it's a special moment to share with them. It's sometimes challenging to capture an effective photograph of those moments though, as their mid-preen poses often don't look that elegant in a still frame. If I lay on the shutter release long-enough, occasionally I come away with a rewarding pose -- one that has enough of the eye visible and the bird with reasonable posture. Even better when you get to see it all come together in nice light too!

Browse more of my photographs of sanderlings.