Sanderling

The Sanderling is a small, energetic wading bird that can be found in large groups on our shores during the winter. It comes from the sandpiper family and is a long-distance migrator, in the Spring they head of to breed in the High-Arctic. They run along the shores in large groups looking for small insects and plant material to feed on. 

I used to work away in Essex a lot and during my downtime there I got to know the local wildlife very well. I would often walk along the beach close to Southend-on-sea and look out for photographic opportunities. I was always fascinated by the small wading birds that would run up and down the shore line. The majority of these birds were the adorable Sanderlings (one is pictured alone here). They seemed to be completely at peace with all the human activity there and would go about their business, occasionally joining a flock and flying a little further down the beach when a dog walker passed close by. I was always surprised but how little attention the human population paid them too, I found them mesmerising. I found the best way to photograph them was to lie belly down in the sand and just wait for them to come to me - they always did!