December 2023
Santa Barbara
- Location: Coal Oil Reserve: Sanderlings (Calidris alba) are commonly found in coastal areas, and the Coal Oil Reserve is one of the habitats where these small shorebirds can be observed.
- Feeding Behavior: Sanderlings are known for their distinctive feeding behavior. They often forage along the water’s edge, probing the sand for small invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. Their quick and darting movements make them adept at capturing prey in the shallow coastal waters.
- Flying Behavior: Sanderlings exhibit agile flying behavior, particularly during migration. They are highly migratory birds, covering long distances between their breeding grounds in the Arctic and their wintering areas in more temperate regions. Their flight is characterized by swift and direct movements, often flying in tight flocks.
- Adaptability to Coastal Environments: Sanderlings showcase adaptability to various coastal environments. Whether on sandy beaches, mudflats, or rocky shores, these birds demonstrate versatility in their habitat preferences, making them well-suited to coastal landscapes like the Coal Oil Reserve.
As the sun sets…the flock of Sanderlings hustle to get enough nutrition. Energy spent racing away from threats is energy wasted. In places like Coal Point Reserve, dogs are allowed on beaches and while there is a leash rule, dogs are generally chasing the birds.
