Resting on the beach

 

Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) 

Salmon Creek Beach, 3 March 2013

At high tide this afternoon these plovers were resting on the beach among the seaweed and driftwood.  They were joined by Least Sandpipers and Western Sandpipers.  (In these pictures they're surrounded by Least Sandpipers.) 

Look for the rounded head, short bill, large dark eye, white collar extending around the neck, and single dark breast band.

 

 

As with many other sandpipers and plovers, Semipalmated Plovers breed far to the north in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.  Most of them will depart the Bodega Bay area during the next few months, so enjoy them while you can!