Least Sandpiper at the lagoon's edgeLeast Sandpiper at the lagoon’s edge – Nikon D200, f6.3, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

I wanted to take a break from publishing the hummingbird images I have been creating lately so my readers wouldn’t get sick of tiny flying jewels so instead I am posting an image of the smallest sandpiper and shorebird in the world the Least Sandpiper.

I came across this diminutive Least Sandpiper while photographing Greater Yellowlegs at a tidal lagoon at Fort De Soto’s north beach in the fall of 2008. I was laying at the edge of the lagoon with my body half in and half out of the water when the Least Sandpiper flew in close to me and began foraging at the water’s edge. When a wild bird comes close to me it fills me with delight and I feel honored to be a part of their life if only for a few moments.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Least Sandpiper photos plus facts and information about this species.