Western Sandpiper
Calidris mauri
The Western Sandpiper breeds on Alaska’s west coast, from the Alaskan Peninsula to the Beaufort Sea. They fly south in winter to the southern USA, the east and west coasts of Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Most of these birds migrate along the Pacific Flyway, especially during their spring journey north. But their fall migration south finds a portion of their population travelling through the continental interior.
These birds have one of the biggest populations of all shorebirds. When they gather, especially at staging stops during migration, the spectacle of their flocks numbering in the hundreds, or thousands, the resulting murmurating flights can be overwhelming.
Western Sandpipers nest in the tundra, often under cover of some vegetation. After the female lays her clutch of eggs, both parents incubate. After hatching, the female usually leaves the breeding grounds, leaving the male to care for the young.
Peeps are busy little foragers that specialize in shallow shorelines and boggy mudflats. They can be very entertaining to watch. I’ve found they will scurry away when approached, but by sitting quietly, they often will return to feed, and provide an opportunity to capture images.
Most of my photo-ops with Western Sandpipers have been in California. There, I’ve met them along the full length of the state, from San Diego to Crescent City, not only on the Pacific Coast, but inland as far as the Salton Sea, and at Mono Lake, east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In winter, they might show up anywhere on the west coast. Coastal Oregon has also given me some lovely encounters with these birds.
Science regards Western Sandpipers as monotypic (i.e. no subspecies).
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: (Calidris mauri) Foraging on the mud flats along the San Diego River flood control channel. San Diego, California USA 2010-01-08. |
Date Taken: 2010:01:08 14:26 |
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Location:
Ocean Beach |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2000 |
File Name: JCD5528.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2010 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: (Calidris mauri) Adult in alternate plumage foraging in the mudflats at South San Diego Bay near the Chula Vista Marina. San Diego County, California USA 2009-04-18. |
Date Taken: 2009:04:18 9:38 |
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Location:
J-Street |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000 |
File Name: Cut_JCD5856.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: (Calidris mauri) Adult in winter garb (basic plumage) landing at the Tijuana River Estuary. Imperial Beach, San Diego County, California USA 2010-02-18. |
Date Taken: 2010:02:18 10:39 |
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Location:
Tijuana River Mouth |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/6.3, 1/4000 |
File Name: JCD6534.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2010 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: (Calidris mauri) Adult in alternate plumage foraging in the mudflats at South San Diego Bay near the Chula Vista Marina. San Diego County, California USA 2009-04-18. |
Date Taken: 2009:04:18 9:43 |
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Location:
J-Street |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000 |
File Name: JCD5950.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2009 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Loafing in large groups during high tide in the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California USA 2009-08-05. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 11:10 |
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Location:
Saltworks |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 400 mm, f/22.0, 1/320 |
File Name: JCD5934.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2009 Jack Daynes, shadetree-imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: (Calidris mauri) Adult in mostly winter garb (basic plumage) in the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California USA 2009-08-05. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 11:05 |
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Location:
Saltworks |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/16.0, 1/200 |
File Name: JCD5898.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2009 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: (Calidris mauri) Adult in alternate plumage foraging in the mudflats at South San Diego Bay near the Chula Vista Marina. San Diego County, California USA 2016-05-26. |
Date Taken: 2009:04:18 9:38 |
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Location:
J-Street |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000 |
File Name: JCD5856.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2009 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Loafing in large groups during high tide in the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California USA 2009-08-05.. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 10:55 |
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Location:
Saltworks |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/45.0, 1/80 |
File Name: JCD5836.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2009 Jack Daynes, shadetree-imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: (Calidris mauri) Adult in winter garb (basic plumage) in the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California USA 2009-08-05. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 10:49 |
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Location:
Saltworks |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/16.0, 1/350 |
File Name: JCD5812-WesternSandPiper |
| © 2009 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: (Calidris mauri) Loafing in large groups during high tide in the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California USA 2009-08-05. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 10:34 |
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Location:
Saltworks |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/32.0, 1/160 |
File Name: JCD5728.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2009 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Adult in breeding (alternate) plumage at the Salton Sea at Poe Road. Imperial County near Westmoreland, California USA 2015-04-27. |
Date Taken: 2015:04:27 16:14 |
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Location:
Poe Road |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/10.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: D3X7606-WesternSandpiper |
| © 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: San Diego River flood control channel. San Diego, California 2010-01-08. |
Date Taken: 2010:01:08 14:11 |
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Location:
Robb Field |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/3200 |
File Name: JCD5488.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2010 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: When they take flight en masse, the significant numbers of these birds wintering at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR is revealed. San Diego County, California USA. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 9:11 |
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Location:
Saltworks |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/16.0, 1/750 |
File Name: JCD5325.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2009 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: When they take flight en masse, the significant numbers of these birds wintering at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR is revealed. San Diego County, California USA. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 9:03 |
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Location:
Saltworks |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/5000 |
File Name: JCD5205.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2009 Jack Daynes, shadetree-imaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Group wheeling in formation over the beach at Poe Road. Salton Sea Vicinity. Imperial County, California USA. |
Date Taken: 2009:07:06 18:43 |
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Location:
Poe Road |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/3200 |
File Name: JCD3430.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2009 Jack Daynes, shadetree-imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Group landing on the beach at Poe Road. Salton Sea Vicinity. Imperial County, California USA. |
Date Taken: 2009:07:06 17:47 |
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Location:
Poe Road |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/3000 |
File Name: JCD3182.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2009 Jack Daynes, shadetree-imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Adult still in winter or basic plumage at South San Diego Bay, California USA. |
Date Taken: 2006:03:04 10:59 |
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Location:
Boal |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 550 mm, f/17.0, 1/250 |
File Name: JCD2106WesternSandpiper |
| © 2006 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Juveniles lack the breast spotting of their parents. This bird was found at the San Diego River Channel near Robb Field. Ocean Beach, San Diego, California USA. |
Date Taken: 2008:09:22 9:28 |
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Location:
Ocean Beach |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 |
File Name: jcd1418WesternSandPiper |
| © 2008 Jack Daynes, www.shadetree-imaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Murmerating flight at North Mission Bay by the Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve. San Diego County California USA. |
Date Taken: 2008:11:02 10:06 |
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Location:
Kendall-Frost Marsh |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 400 mm, f/8.0, 1/160 |
File Name: jcd0818WesternSandpiper |
| © 2008 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Adults in breeding (alternate) plumage at the Salton Sea at Poe Road. Imperial County near Westmoreland, California USA. |
Date Taken: 2015:04:27 16:47 |
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Location:
Poe Road |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/10.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: D3X7702-WesternSandpiper |
| © 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Adult with wings stretched in breeding (alternate) plumage at the Salton Sea at Poe Road. Imperial County near Westmoreland, California USA. |
Date Taken: 2015:04:27 16:14 |
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Location:
Poe Road |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/10.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: D3X7612-WesternSandpiper |
| © 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: San Diego River flood control channel. San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2010:01:08 14:42 |
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Location:
Robb Field |
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Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2000 |
File Name: JCD5638.WesternSandPiper |
| © 2010 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Feeding on Brine flies at the Saltworks. Part of the South San Diego Bay NWR, San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2011:07:27 9:43 |
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Location:
Saltworks |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2000 |
File Name: JCD1253-WesternSandPiper |
| © 2011 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Birds I met in Crescent City California near the boat basin of the harbor. |
Date Taken: 2019:08:10 15:10 |
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Location:
Crescent Harbor |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/16.0, 1/800 |
File Name: WesternSandpiper_D5X1605-CrescentCity |
| © 2019 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Fall migrant we saw during a day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:08:19 12:18 |
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Location:
Saltworks |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1250 |
File Name: D3X5109-WesternSandpiper |
| © 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Fall migrant we saw during a day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:08:19 11:27 |
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Location:
Saltworks |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1250 |
File Name: D3X4749-WesternSandpiper |
| © 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: A day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:08:19 11:26 |
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Location:
Saltworks |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: D3X4744-WesternSandpiper |
| © 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Loafing at high tide along South Jetty Road in Bandon Oregon. |
Date Taken: 2017:09:08 12:15 |
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Location:
South Jetty Road |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/16.0, 1/1000 |
File Name: WesternSandPiper_D5X0076-Bandon-Oregon |
| © 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: At the South Tufa shores of Mono Lake. Mono County, California. |
Date Taken: 2014:08:08 13:21 |
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Location:
Mono Lake |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1250 |
File Name: D3X7446-WesternSandPiper |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Charleston Boat Basin, near Coos Bay Oregon. |
Date Taken: 2017:09:07 9:13 |
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Location:
Charleston |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800 |
File Name: WesternSandPiper_D5X9473-Charleston-BoatBasin |
| © 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Juvenile at J-Street. Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2013:08:23 6:14 |
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Location:
J-Street |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 |
File Name: D3X1471-WesternSandpiper |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Foraging near a Least Sandpiper at Charleston Boat Basin, near Coos Bay Oregon. |
Date Taken: 2017:09:07 9:32 |
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Location:
Charleston |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800 |
File Name: WesternSandPiper_D5X9651-Charleston-BoatBasin |
| © 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Charleston Boat Basin, near Coos Bay Oregon. |
Date Taken: 2017:09:07 9:31 |
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Location:
Charleston |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800 |
File Name: WesternSandPiper_D5X9639-Charleston-BoatBasin |
| © 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Juvenile at the mouth of the San Luis Rey River in Oceanside, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2014:09:23 11:22 |
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Location:
San Luis Rey Rivermouth |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1250 |
File Name: D3X0239-WesternSandpiper |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Mission Beach Jetty. San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2013:03:24 10:58 |
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Location:
Mission Beach |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/3200 |
File Name: D3X2569-WesternSandpiper |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
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Description: Tijuana River Mouth in Imperial Beach, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2013:04:04 10:47 |
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Location:
Tijuana River Mouth |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2500 |
File Name: D3X3664-WesternSandpiper |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
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