Birds of Interior Alaska Waders & Shorebirds: Spotted Sandpiper Actitis maculari Spotted Sandpipers (in breeding plumage) are a great shorebird to add to the novice birder's skills. Check for: spots on the chest and underside, a relatively short tail, and a light and dark line through the eye It is possible to get quite close to shorebirds by moving ahead of the bird's feeding direction, sitting or lying down out of the bird's sight, and waiting for them to pass by you. Sitting in brush breaks up your outline even better and improves your ability to observe without disturbing the birds. If no cover is available, and you don't mind getting a little dirty, lay down to wait. This spotted passed my prone position within 6 feet and fed as it passed. Here's a young Spotted Sandpiper (no spots) that was revealed by its mother's frantic attempt to catch my attention and lead me away. She succeeded in catching my attention but her antics caused me to scan the muddy mound more closely. This young peeper stood perfectly camouflaged for several minutes and would have escaped my attention entirely if it hadn't moved, revealing its white belly and flanks. Enjoy more virtual birding adventures linked on the Photo Essay List! Back to: Top | Birds of Interior Alaska | Mr. G's classroom site Photos and narratives contained in this document were created and copyrighted by ©Jim Gilbert. 5/2002.