Semipalmated Sandpiper
Calidris pusilla

f6.3 @ 1/1600s, ISO:800, Nikon D300S w 300mm

\"Semipalmated Sandpiper,\" Wkipedia, the free encyclopedia. The Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) is a very small shorebird.Adults have black legs and a short stout straight dark bill. The body is dark grey-brown on top and white underneath. The head and neck are tinged light grey-brown. This bird can be difficult to distinguish from other similar tiny shorebirds, in particular the Western Sandpiper; these are known collectively as \"peeps\" or \"stints\". Their breeding habitat is the southern tundra in Canada and Alaska near water. They nest on the ground. The male makes several shallow scrapes, the female chooses one and adds grass and other material to line the nest. The female lays 4 eggs; the male assists in incubation. After a few days, the female leaves the young with the male; the young feed themselves.

Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada

06/30/2011