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.

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

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms