Early May along the Copper River Delta in southcentral Alaska is about the time that hundreds of thousands of little visitors show up for refueling on their migratory journey to Alaska’s food and light laden summer breeding grounds. Amongst many birds, the Western Sandpipers are the most abundant, sometimes congregating in giant flocks that weave and undulate with incomprehensible synchronization. For the short time I was there this year, I missed the timing and congregation of huge flocks, but still had a few opportunities. The birds stop for 1-3 days in general, and during that short time, they seem to be constantly feeding in between very short rest periods, all timed with the rise and fall of the tide. The Delta is an important stop for these birds, due to its unique location and abundant, long, tidal flats loaded with food.
Enjoying the Western sandpiper bird migration at Hartney Bay, Cordova, Alaska
I hope that I get to see this for myself tomorrow!
This is very cool, and an especially interesting perspective with the photographers in the foreground. It’s always fascinating to watch large flocks like these move in unison, and I’m amazed that two of them never seem to run into each other, despite their rapid changes in direction!
One word: LOUD!