Spotted Sandpiper Broken Wing Distraction Display
While hiking along the Elbow River on June 18, 2013, a Spotted Sandpiper flew out from some tall grass about ten meters ahead of me, and landed close to the shore. After landing, the bird gave a good performance of "I can't fly," and walked with the wings engaged in a partial flap along the shore and away from me.
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Spotted Sandpipers are usually foraging on the shore or flying from one shoreline to another. They are not common inland, but from time to time I do see them in the brush on the sides of the river. When I come across a Spotted Sandpiper in the brush I often wonder if a nest is near, but I don't usually investigate the area.
The "broken wing distraction" display is much stronger evidence for a nearby nest. As such, I ignored the bird, and looked for the nest. I was careful so that I would not step on the eggs, and likely I was too careful, because I never found the nest.
The nest is usually in a hollow depression on the ground in some brush or against some tall grass. There are usually four eggs. I will look again tomorrow.
Spotted Sandpipers are usually foraging on the shore or flying from one shoreline to another. They are not common inland, but from time to time I do see them in the brush on the sides of the river. When I come across a Spotted Sandpiper in the brush I often wonder if a nest is near, but I don't usually investigate the area.
The "broken wing distraction" display is much stronger evidence for a nearby nest. As such, I ignored the bird, and looked for the nest. I was careful so that I would not step on the eggs, and likely I was too careful, because I never found the nest.
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