Semipalmated Sandpiper Mini Original

The Semipalmated Sandpiper gets its common name from the short webs between its toes (“palmated” means webbed). They spend their breeding summers in Northern Canada and the New England area coasts, migrating through the U.S. by the thousands. They winter primarily in South America, and studies have shown that they may make a non-stop flight of nearly 2000 miles from New England or eastern Canada to the South American coast.

Like other sandpipers, they forage along shorelines for aquatic insects and crustaceans, sometimes probing in the mud. Young leave the nest hours after hatching, and often the male will be the one to stay with them until ready to fly. 

These sandpipers remain on the Yellow Watch List for population declines. Hunting, mostly in South America, appears to be a source of population declines, followed by the destruction or modification of wetlands and environmental pollutants. Climate change is forecast to have adverse effects on nesting areas, migratory stopover habitats, and wintering habitats.

Original mixed media on raw stretched canvas with maple float frame. Alternative hardwood frames available upon request.

Sources: All About Birds and Audubon Society