Top 4 Shorebirds and Seabirds During Fall Migration

Dowitcher, Heerman's Gulls, Red-necked Phalarope, and Western Sandpiper

 

Top 4 Shorebirds and Seabirds During Fall Migration Dear KAREN, Birds and people are flocking to the California coast. While we're trying to beat the heat, migrating seabirds and shorebirds are making pit stops along our sunny shores. Now is a great time to join a birding field trip with your local chapter, learn from local Audubon members, and enjoy birds on their way south.  Liliana Griego Senior Program Manager of Coasts                                                 Audubon California

Dowitchers and Dunlin Sanderling on the move. Photo: Leah Dunkel/Audubon Photography Awards

Dowitcher These birds are the seamstresses of the sea and can be found bobbing their heads like a needle of a sewing machine searching for food. Whether it's a long-billed or short-billed, you'll see these dowitchers sewing away at the mudflats or in the sand. Check out the field trips that Sea and Sage Audubon are hosting by foot and boat to enjoy both shorebirds and seabirds during this migration season.   Read more

Short-billed Dowitcher. Photo: Federico Acevedo/Audubon Photography Awards

Heermann's Gull Gulls can be tough to ID, but the Heermann's Gull stands out from the flock. These distinct gulls have a gray body, white head, and a bright red bill. It was thought that all Heermann's Gulls bred in Baja California and migrated north in autumn and winter. However, a group of Heermann's Gulls decided to extend their stay and breed near Monterey Bay, making it the only breeding site in the U.S. Be sure to check out some of the activities hosted by the Monterey Audubon Chapter and and learn how you can get involved.  Read more

Heermann's Gull. Photo: Andrea Sheffler/Audubon Photography Awards

Red-necked Phalarope These birds are breaking avian gender norms. Unlike most birds, these females are larger and more colorful than males. The males incubate the eggs and care for the young. During migration, these tiny birds travel over open waters and winter at sea. Keep an eye out for them as they swim in circles looking for their next meal. You might be able to spot these spinners with Pasadena Audubon on their Malibu Migration Madness outing.   Read more

Red-necked Phalarope. Photo: Paul Kusmin/Audubon Photography Awards

Western Sandpiper These birds are weighing in at approximately 2 ½ marshmallows or around 1 ounce, depending on your preferred weight metric. This small bird embarks on a mighty migration route, breeding in the arctic tundra of Alaska and then making their way south to winter along the Pacific coast of North, Central, and South America. If you're lucky, you can spot these birds in huge numbers as they make their flight south. Check out Morro Coast Audubon Society's Shorebirds for Beginners trip to improve your IDing skills.   Read more

Western Sandpiper. Photo: Walker Golder/Audubon Photography Awards

CONNECT WITH US

 

Audubon California 1901 Harrison Street, Suite 1450, Oakland, CA 94612 USA (415) 644-4600 | ca.audubon.org © 2022 National Audubon Society, Inc. Update your email address or unsubscribe