A Solitary Sanderling

Sanderling | Calidris alba

Earlier this week, while walking out at Goose Spit I came upon a single Sanderling (Calidris alba). Sanderlings are regularly seen throughout the winter at Goose Spit. Because beaches on Vancouver Island are popular places to walk, shorebirds have a challenging time of it. The strip of beach is quite narrow at high tide and walkers regularly flush birds on the beach. Because it is also a popular place to walk dogs off leash, sanderlings and other shorebirds spend a good deal of time moving. It takes energy to fly up and down the beach ahead of people and their pets.

I try to encourage locals to keep their animals on a leash. However, you know the old saying: “A dog owner’s bark is as bad as the dog’s bite.” Wouldn’t it be nice if they were put in a shorebird’s feathers for a day? They might change their tune and keep their distance.

Sanderling | Calidris alba

Visitors to Goose Spit and other beaches in the Comox Valley should be mindful of how their presence impacts the wildlife on the beach. When the early spring and late summer shorebird migration begins, these beaches are important feeding grounds. Birds use the beach to rest and fuel up for the long journey north or south. We can do our part by giving space. That way, the shorebirds can focus their energy on this very important aspect of survival.