Photo and story by www.PhotoByVivian.com

Although often mistaken for Snowy Plovers, our Central Coast beaches are currently a stopping ground for thousands of Sanderlings, a type of sandpiper affectionately referred to as “Peeps.”  Right now the numbers of Sanderlings is extremely high as it’s mating season and they are making their trek to the High Arctic Tundra to nest. As they migrate north most non-breeders stay in South America for the summer but a few of them will remain behind and spend the summer on our coastline.
Known by their obsessive «wave chasing» or «surf dodging» the Sanderlings run back and forth as waves ebb and flow as they hunt for food.  Running so quickly you can hardly see their legs move; they resemble «wind up toys» which they are also affectionately referred to.  If frightened or threatened, Sanderlings will fly erratically over the ocean in tights groups twisting and turning, like swirling dark clouds.
Sanderlings are one of the most widespread shorebirds birds on the planet and although they are one of the most common shorebirds, their populations are declining.  Their extremely long migratory route makes them vulnerable due to their reliance on many stopping grounds along the way. Living close to the shoreline they are also susceptible to pollution, oil spills and loss of habitat.