Might as well jump

 

I spent a few minutes watching a Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) today.  Occasionally, it paused.  Most of the time it was busy looking for food, especially beach hoppers.

 

 

Sometimes, the sandpiper was successful in capturing prey.  In the photo below, there is small beach hopper in its bill (close to the tip).  [Click on the picture for a larger version.]

 

Sometimes, the beach hopper was successful in avoiding capture.  Below, look for the beach hopper escaping via a jump to the right!