Sanderlings, my favorite shorebirds, rarely stay still for very long. They are always a challenge to photograph because it seems that they endlessly scurry up and down the beach while they seek something to eat under the sand, never stopping. We got to Grand Isle early on Tuesday morning and laid on the sand with our long lenses and panning plates while the sun was still fairly low in the sky. This Sanderling was determined to preen its feathers and stopped in front of my lens to do it. It would scurry a few steps, then stop and grasp a wing feather in its beak, pulling it through to align the barbs. This behavior went on for more than a minute, as it ran a few steps and then stopped and preened a feather, alternating wings. Before this, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Sanderling take the time to preen. It was fun to watch.
Perfect!