Sometimes you just happen to be in the right place at the right time… and with camera in hand. (Click on the blog link for other photos.)
It was so much fun watching these 500+ Sanderlings moving around the mud flats while feeding at Nauset Marsh.
They seemed to move as a huge flock, often looking like they were performing water ballet in the sky. It was just spectacular!
Did they sense danger from above?
“These little shorebirds are very social and gather in small flocks. They will also form larger flocks as a defense against predators like the Peregrine Falcon. These larger flocks are tightly packed and evade danger by darting and swooping to confuse any predator.”
Fun fact:
Sanderlings are the only sandpiper without a hind toe, which allows them to be strong runners.
https://rachelcarsoncouncil.salsalabs.org/sanderling#:~:text=Fun%20Facts,the%20tip%20of%20South%20America.