[alanlu]

I took photos of this bird at the South Jetty of Iona Beach. When I took the photo, I thought it was a blacke-bellied plover. However after I have processed the raw file, I realize that it is not. But I don't know what it is. I am pretty sure it is not a western sandpiper because it is much bigger than that and it did not fly like a western. Thx for your help.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149425509 ... en-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149425509 ... en-public/

[zwest]

Hi,

I would say Sanderling... cheers

[alanlu]

Hi, Zwest. Thx for the reply. Now that you have named it as a sanderling, I do think it looks like one. The idea did not occur to me because the sanderlings I have photoed are usually in flocks at the edge of the beach where there is wave action. This one was all alone flying low over the surface of water like a gull and pecking at rocks it landed on. I also notice there is some faint marking on the underbelly of the bird.

[Robert]

Merlin says Sanderling. Looks like one.