Wader - Sanderling (Lifer 594/688)

Spot the bird ....shooting with Fuji XF100-400mm from a distance of 50-60m away

Sanderling are gregarious in winter; flocking in numbers on mudflats or sandy beaches. In peninsula Malaysia like Jeram, Sg Serdang Kapar side. We only see them in smaller group or joining other waders in flight in late August 2026. We managed to see a single bird. News was there are more to see in Morib side. They may be on passage further to Australasia and Borneo seafronts. They breed at the extreme northern  artic tundra in July. Those which are not breeding may migrate down south  earlier. 

Sandeling from 60m away by MingLee Nikon 800mm 

It is somewhat unlike other small sandpipers in appearance, in particular in lacking a hind toe, which has led to the suggestion that it should be placed into a monotypic  genus Crocethia. More recent reviews indicate that the sanderling is a fairly typical "stint" or small sandpiper and should be retained along with the knots and other relatives in the genus Calidris.(wiki) It definitely larger than stints at 20cm in size of many plovers. Always look for their pale grey to white body (winter plumage) with short broad black bill and black legs. 

This bird is similar in size to a dunlin, but stouter, with a thick bill. It shows a strong white wingbar in flight. Feeding habits; it will  runs along the sandy beaches it prefers with a characteristic "bicycling" action of its legs, stopping frequently to pick small food items. It eats small crabs and other small invertebrates. .The birds appear to rush madly around at the edge of the surf, but in reality they are maximising their chances of catching as many prey animals as possible when they are at their most vulnerable near the surface.