Sanderling in Galápagos: Facts and Where to See It

Sanderlings are the small birds that sprint down the beach behind a retreating wave, pick or probe in the wet sand, and run back up ahead of the next one, their black legs a blur. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology calls the wave-chasing habit obsessive, and the outer beach their domain: they often defend a stretch of the waterline against other shorebirds.

• Sand pellets. After feeding, sanderlings often cough up pellets of sand mixed with bits of shell.
• Escape flights. When a falcon appears, a flock lifts off together and twists low over the sea; single birds sometimes dive into the water to escape.
• Flexible pairs. They are usually monogamous, but some females breed with several males in a row in one season.

Sanderlings are extreme long-distance migrants. They nest only on the High Arctic tundra, yet in autumn and winter they reach nearly all temperate and tropical sandy beaches of the world, which makes them one of the most widespread shorebirds. Many young birds that are not yet breeding stay in South America through the northern summer instead of flying back to the Arctic. In Galápagos they feed on beaches and in lagoons.

Guide sighting records list sanderlings at 1 site: the Isabela Wetlands near Puerto Villamil on Isabela, a walk past lagoons and beaches. The guides rate it Rare, and sanderlings on other beaches are always possible but not recorded by site.

As Arctic breeders, sanderlings are mainly a bird of the northern winter in the south. Because many non-breeding birds stay in South America all year, single birds can turn up in any month. In the next twelve months, 151 departures stop at the site where they are recorded.

No, it is listed as Least Concern. Shorebirds that rest and feed on beaches are easily disturbed, so in Galápagos the park rules matter: at least 2 metres (6 feet) from wildlife, marked trails, and a naturalist guide on every walk.

1. Walking along the waterline. That is where they feed. Stay higher on the beach and let them work.
2. Confusing them with other small waders. Watch for the run with the waves and the black legs.
3. Counting on one. The one site in the guide records is rated Rare.