Resting time

Some of the sandpipers that feed in Bodega Harbor at low tide leave to rest on outer coast beaches during high tide.

On 15 November 2012, hundreds of Dunlin were roosting on Salmon Creek Beach.  

 

 

If you look closely, you'll also be able to spot a few Western Sandpipers here and there (smaller and grayer, with shorter bills —  easiest to find in the photo above and especially in the next image).

 

These pictures were taken from a distance so as not to disturb the birds during this important downtime.  Sometimes I visualize this in an unusual way — imagine what it would feel like if every time you tried to relax in your house, someone opened the door, flushed you outside, and made you run around the yard (again and again).  We all need a little rest now and then!