Calidris minuta
May 16, 2001: Réserve Naturelle Nationale de la Baie de Somme-Parc du Marquenterre, Picardie, France
While watching the Ringed Plovers and Dunlin at Hide #5, I noticed this bird which was noticeably smaller than either of the previously mentioned species. It resembled a sanderling, but the habitat and behavior were wrong. Based on the size (and location), I realized it was a stint of some sort, poking around in the mud. It was a very pretty little bird – black legs and a medium-to-short black bill, white underneath, and delicately patterned on the back in black, brown, and a warm pinkish color. The head was similarly colored, but the neck appeared somewhat lighter – not white, but not as colorful as the rest of the bird’s upperparts. A look at the field guide confirmed that this was a juvenile little stint. What a lovely little bird, and one I was pleased not only to see, but also to ID. (Shorebirds are not always easy)!
Let me know what you think!