Migratory shorebirds are attracted to barrier island beaches for resting and foraging along their many-thousand mile long annual journey. Sanderlings are the shorebirds commonly seen running in and out with the waves, quickly grabbing food from the sand with their bills. One such individual we spotted foraging on Stone Harbor Point last fall carried around its leg a band with a unique code. By submitting the code, we learned that this sanderling was the oldest sanderling ever found- at least 13.5 years old! This individual, like millions of others, depends on opportunities to rest and eat undisturbed at critical habitats provided by our barrier island beaches year after year.
Want to help? Avoid disturbing birds on the beach and follow posted signage throughout the year.