Home » Western Sandpiper

Western Sandpiper

Back to Shorebirds

You are likely to see a large flock of Western Sandpipers foraging of flooded agricultural fields in Delta. In fact, in North America, this bird is one of the most abundant shorebirds. This small sandpiper overwinters in the lower mainland and breeds along the far northwest coast of Alaska. During migration they can be spotted in gigantic flocks flitting along coastal waters.

Western Sandpipers have a short neck, a whitish chest with slight mottling, a grey back, and black legs. They use their medium-sized dark bills to probe wetlands, beaches, and farm fields in search of insects. While striding along a shoreline, this sandpiper is rather front-heavy, and looks as though it could almost tip forward at any minute.

Look for a black spot on the rump of this bird as an extra indicator for identification, as they are sure to be confused with other similar sandpiper species, such as the Semipalmated Sandpiper which has a slightly darker breast and a more defined white eye-ring. Western Sandpipers deliver a high-pitched “cheet” accompanied with little squeaks and trills, and some quiet scratchy noises.

Photo by Bill Boulton

News & Events

  • Farmland & Wildlife Poster Contest

    Delta students can enter the "Farmland & Wildlife" Poster Contest and WIN a Mini Hatch for their classroom! Watch live chickens hatch from their eggs inside the Mini Hatch! Read More..

  • Photo Contest Calendar

    Students from the University of BC's Faculty of Land & Food Systems recently ran a photo contest for the Delta Farmland & Wildlife Trust. The contest was hosted on Facebook and entries came from around the lower mainland. Thank you to the students for raising awareness of the Trust's work! Read More..

  • December 2011 Issue of Farmland & Wildlife

    The December 2011 issue of Farmland & Wildlife is available for download. Read More..

  • Through the Student's Lense

    Students from BCIT and Quest University are creating videos that highlight the work that Delta Farmland & Wildlife Trust is carrying out with local farmers. Read More..

  • Cover Crop Research Helps Refine Management

    DF&WT research reveals the importance of planting date on the ability of a cover crop to support waterfowl. Read More..
Read All News & Events

Copyright 2010/2011 D.F.W.T. All Rights Reserved

Photography by Tyler Garnham PhotographyWeb Site Design & Development by NetClimber Web Design Inc.