Shorebirds

Sanderling (Calidris alba)
First Photo

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
Second and Fourth photos

Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus)
Third photo

Besides the Snowy Plover (described earlier on the blog), these three species were the other shorebirds we saw on the beach. The Sanderlings were the most common, being found everywhere along the beach. Ruddy Turnstones were less common and I only saw one Willet. Since I saw three or four Snowy Plovers, they would seem to be the third most common shorebird. It is interesting that the genus for the Turnstones is the same for the wildflower genus Sandwort. Both are based on the latin word arena, which means sand.