Semipalmated Plover

The Semipalmated Plover is a common sight around the freshwater and sandy beaches leading up to migration. These little birds blend in with their surroundings so well that at first glance, it is difficult to see them. When scanning a beach, it is necessary to watch for movement. Where there is movement, there is likely a shorebird. Note: This photo was taken at Tilting, Fogo Island.

When I first heard the name of this bird, I had no idea what semipalmated meant. After a quick "look up," I began to watch for the webbing. Semipalmated means that there is webbing between some but not all toes of the bird. This small plover was good enough to raise his foot and give me a good view.  Also, notice the little black tip on the end of its toes. I think he has had a manicure.

This one-legged stance is a frequent pose of many shorebirds. When not standing, the Semipalmated Plover is often seen scurrying around looking for food or resting with its beak tucked in under its wing feathers.

On the day that these shots were taken in Flatrock it was quite cool. The rocks on the other hand retained the heat. This probably explains why this little plover is having a rest. I was able to move quite close to all of the birds in this flock without disturbing them. They went on about their routine.

From the tip of its beak to the tip of its tail, the Semipalmated Plover is about 7 inches long. Yet, it looks so tiny next to the big rocks and globs of seaweed. The wingspan of this plover is twice the size of its body ranging from 14 to 16 inches wide.  In flight this plover looks quite large.

Semipalmated Plover

 It is hard to imagine but this is my 13th shorebird posting over the last three weeks. While I saw a number of Semipalmated Plovers last year, most were in their dull Winter plumage.  The group we came upon early this week wasa a mixed flock of full-on breeding plumage to the juvenile plumage to winter plumage. I have no idea what accounts for that difference but I also saw the same kind of variation with the Black-bellied Plovers.

These little birds are very plentiful at low tide. Like most small shore birds they disappear into the background. A first glance at a beach seems to yield nothing then all of a sudden something moves. With the binos set on one bird a surprise flock appears where there were none.  The beach seems to move with these little birds and others, of course.

I saw five of these at Cape Spear earlier this week along with a Ruddy Turnstone, a small flock of Sanderlings, two American Pipits and one yet unidentified small peep. I think it was a Semipalmated Sandpiper.

This morning when I was browsing Alvan Buckley's blog, I came across the trailer he posted for the new movie, "Big Year." It looks wonderful and is slated to be released on October 11, 2011. I can hardly wait.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCBAP2wId5M