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The Spotted Sandpiper
Posted August 30, 2021 by Vindi Sekhon
Found in freshwater areas such as rivers and streams, Spotted Sandpipers typically nest close to the shore. Unfortunately, this reliance on coastlines has led to many problems for these birds – especially when chemicals are dumped into water.
The usage of pesticides and other chemicals may seem harmless – but when these substances float downstream, they can create large problems for local wildlife. Chemicals like pesticides can deplete resources, making it harder for wildlife like Spotted Sandpipers to find food sources they are dependant on. The digestion of pesticides can lead to wildlife having a difficult time reproducing or lead to the baby birds being born with deficiencies.
Similarly, discarded litter along BC’s beaches makes it harder for sandpipers to find safe habitats, and may even lead to entanglement. International Coastal Cleanup Day (ICC) on September 18th is a reminder that shorelines, which are home to many different types of wildlife (including Spotted Sandpipers), are a vital part of our ecosystem. Protecting our shorelines protects our wildlife!
About Spotted Sandpipers
Dark spots on their white and brown feathers make these birds easy to distinguish on British Columbia’s shorelines. From May to August these small birds had their breeding season, building families in anticipation for their migration South for Winter.
When creating nests for their families, the male and female Spotted Sandpiper will choose a nest location under broad-leafed plants or, if there are predators nearby, below lots of vegetation. This area near the water is essential to their health since it provides their diet (which is primarily made up of aquatic larvae, flies, beetles and worms). Though it is less common, Spotted Sandpipers have also been known to eat fish! Smaller fish and even dead fish are both food sources for these sandpipers.
How to Help
Helping our coastlines helps Spotted Sandpipers by…
- Reducing plastic. Single-use plastic, unfortunately, often ends up in the ocean. Simple things like bringing a grocery bag when shopping, reusing a water bottle instead of buying plastic ones, and using reusable masks will all reduce plastic.
- Disposing of single-use plastic is everywhere – so when throwing away trash, disposing of it responsibly is a great way to help.
- Using natural alternatives. Pesticides and other harmful chemicals often get swept downstream, into the homes of Spotted Sandpipers. Natural alternatives, such as garlic spray, will make sure the habitats of BC wildlife are safe.
- Following drought regulations. Protecting BC’s coastlines by reducing the amount of water used around the home is a simple way to aid the cause.
- Starting a cleanup! Naturally, cleaning up the coastline is another way to help Spotted Sandpipers. Ocean Conservancy fights for trash-free seas, providing resources for those interested in starting their cleanup.
Of course, helping injured birds is another great way to help! If you see a bird that has exposed bone or blood, bugs or insects covering it, no feathers, or a bird that is sleeping, human intervention is required. Please contact our Support Centre for support.
Avoid chemicals and keep Spotted Sandpipers safe!
Wildlife Rescue Association of British Columbia
5216 Glencarin Drive, Burnaby, BC V5B 3C1
The Wildlife Rescue Association of BC is located on the ancestral and unceded homelands of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples. We are grateful for the opportunity to be on this beautiful shared territory.
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