Sunday, November 22, 2015

SANDPIPERS' ONE HEART

I INCHED forward to see what was drawing photographers to the edge of the sandbar at Blackie Spit Park in Crescent Beach.

At first glance, it could have been round brownish-gray pebbles lining the curve of the shore.

The feathered heads of what seemed to be thousands of sandpipers bobbed amid a chorus of congenial, at times nervous, bird chatter.
Although they were unsure about humans, it was a boat whizzing by that caused them to lift in unison, their wings beating as if with one heart.

How were they able to fly so closely without touching in midair I wondered? Each sudden flight was like a burst of feathers in a pillow fight.

Mostly, however, the birds displayed patterns and amazing synchronicity.

These little soldiers marched to the same tune.

To my untrained eye every beak, tweet and feather looked identical.

Dozens within the larger flock turned their heads in similar directions.

When I examined the choreography (above) I found only a few missteps.

Despite initial appearances no two were alike ... that is the true nature and limitless creativity of existence.

Closer inspection hinted at the differences amid similarities as they moved with the ebb and flow of whatever grandmaster was pulling their strings.

Seagulls went about their business. They didn't mind the bird invasion.

From a distance, the sandpipers could have been seagulls when the sun glinted on the bright white underside of their wings.

I was told this bird species likely had already settled in the region but was pushed to the shore due to high tides covering the nearby mudflat areas they normally inhabit. I took pictures of their visit over several days.

Locals simply enjoyed the cinematic experience that had flown into view.

Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle to view more BC scenes.

To see more sights from around the globe visit OUR WORLD at the sidebar.

There are many more birds to discover at Wild Bird Wednesday.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

28 comments:

  1. My goodness that is a lot of Sandpipers. Such a delight to seeing them all.

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  2. Wow - what an amazing sight!

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  3. I don't think I have ever seen so many shorebirds in one place! Amazing!

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  4. Awesome series on these pretty shorebirds. It is amazing sight to see so many together, great for your photos too. Have a happy week ahead!

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  5. How wonderful to see that many beautiful sandpipers huddled together. I could sit and watch them for hours. Your captures are beautiful !

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  6. What an amazing sight! Your pictures are great and your close ups show some of the differences I would never have noticed otherwise.

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  7. Great photos of all the shorebirds. They are all amazing little birds.

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  8. Oh, what a great set of photos of the birds - and I never really noticed that sandpipers look quite endearing. I would have been so pleased to see this. There is something so impressive about huge groups of wild creatures. And reassuring - to see them all thriving.

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  9. That is an amazing amount of Sandpipers in one spot! - Margy

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  10. Just wonderfully Maria. Thank you for sharing this amazing moment in time. It really is something the way those little birds move as one. Your photos and words really capture that miracle.

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  11. My goodness, what an amazing sight! Beautifully captured.

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  12. What a wonderful sight! I'd love to see this.

    Feel free to link this post to Wild Bird Wednesday, which will pop up on my photo blog very soon!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  13. Wow, and wow, sandpipers in such great numbers! I haven’t seen sandpipers in person, and such tremendous number of birds at one place, either. They look so charming with a long bill. Though images are still, I really enjoyed this broadcast from the spot, Maria, based on your close observation. I perceived powerful dynamics of small birds in a group.

    Yoko

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  14. Amazing photos and great obserations.

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  15. Great photos, especially that one with the seagull floating in the foreground! Great juxtaposition of different colors and sizes.

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  16. Fantastic! I love seeing sandpipers run around at the beach. I've never seen close to that many together!
    ~

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  17. What a great spectacle to see. Wonderful pictures.

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  18. Loving your frosty photos when I drifted over to our other blog! Winter really came early to the PNW this year! Keep those heels warm!

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  19. Your photos are absolute stunning What an amazing nature indeed. Is that in your neighbourhood? What a beautiful area

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  20. Your photos are amazing! Just beautiful! Warm greetings from Montreal! :)

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  21. I never know if I should come here to let you know how much I love your most recent postcards , since no comment form there. I am glad you have a link here... You have some great photography over there (too).

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  22. What an extraordinary sight - I've never seen so many birds in one place. Great shots!

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  23. Hi, Maria, Just wanted to wish you, belatedly, a very merry Christmas, and all the best for next year!

    I couldn't find a comment button on your other blog, so this goes on an old post. Wonderful photos here!

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  24. Hi Penelope! There was so much to love in this post. Sandpipers are one of my favourite birds and I don't see them often around here. The photographs were wonderful and I so delight in your fresh descriptions: "burst of feathers in a pillow fight", "little soldiers", "grandmaster pulling strings".. each one made me nod my head as though the thought had been my own but waiting for someone to discover it. I hope your Christmas was peaceful and happy. Thinking of you after that scary earthquake last night. Today, Mary Putt (Lilee-Jean's grandmother) and a friend are going to meet us around noon and we'll walk along the beach as far as the laughing statues, then go back to Harrison's for some drinks and goodies. Would love it if you could join us but I know this is way too short notice. But, the idea is in my mind. We must get together soon!!

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  25. Happy New Year to you and yours Hope 2016 will fulfill all your wishes

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  26. Oh wow, what a wonderful invasion. Happy New Year!

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