Adult Spotted Sandpiper perched on a stump – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I took my first of season Spotted Sandpiper photos yesterday morning high in the Wasatch Mountains as I sat in my Jeep next to a creek. I had been photographing Yellow Warblers flitting around in a nearby willow thicket when I heard the distinctive call of a Spotted Sandpiper. I truly missed hearing those calls over the winter.
I moved my Jeep forward, located the Spotted Sandpiper where it was perched on a stump, and started taking photos of it in the bright morning light.
Calling adult Spotted Sandpiper – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As I photographed the Spotted Sandpiper it started to call. It is early enough in the breeding season here in northern Utah that this sandpiper may have been advertising its presence to any other Spotted Sandpipers in the general area.
Spring Spotted Sandpiper in northern Utah – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The adult Spotted Sandpiper preened and fluffed while it kept an eye out for other birds and aerial predators.
This adult is in its breeding plumage or as it is also known its Definitive Alternate Plumage. Spotted Sandpipers are well named at least while they are in breeding plumage.
Spotted Sandpiper on oyster shells – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
In their nonbreeding plumage or Definitive Basic Plumage they have no spots. This Spotted Sandpiper in nonbreeding plumage was photographed in Florida in March of 2009. I have included this photo for comparison. I think they are beautiful sandpipers with or without their spots.
I am delighted that these shorebirds have returned to Utah for their breeding season.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Spotted Sandpiper photos plus facts and information about this species.
They are especially handsome in spring plumage. Most of my photos have been in the winter garb, but thie year two came through and posed nicely. I don’t think I will see any more for a few months.
Great photos, and very clear explanation of the terms, thanks!
They are beautiful. Thank you for the comparison shots.
Love the shadow cast on that charming perch too.
Very pretty setting, he has a nice stage on the old stump where he will stand out if he is single.