Wood Sandpiper

21 Replies

Tringa glareola

The Wood Sandpiper is another wading bird that migrates to South Africa from its northern breeding grounds to escape the harsh cold of winter in those parts. When they’re here, between August and May, they are one of the most numerous waders to be seen and can be expected at almost any freshwater habitat in any province.

Wood Sandpipers are usually encountered singly, in pairs or in small groups and seldom occurs at estuaries, river mouths or along the beach, preferring freshwater marshes, dams and temporary pans with inundated vegetation. They feed mainly on aquatic and terrestrial worms, insects, crustaceans, small frogs and small fish, with seeds of various plants being a minor addition to their diet.

Adults measure about 20cm in length, with a wingspan of ±55cm and a weight of 60-80g.

With a total population estimated at over 3 million, distributed across much of Asia and Europe in the breeding season and migrating to Africa, tropical Asia and Australia during the northern winter, the IUCN lists the Wood Sandpiper as being of least concern.

Wood sandpiper at Sunset Dam
Wood Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper at Leeupan
Wood Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper

21 thoughts on “Wood Sandpiper”

      3. aj vosse

        Trek af die vlieg tyd… dit maak dit ‘n klein bietjie meer draagbaar… en, ons sal laat jy vroeér hier waai… en later daar vertrek… hoe is dit vir kompromie? 🤔😉

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    1. de Wets Wild Post author

      That is very kind of you, Anne. Knowing all that the residents of Grahamstown had to endure even before the COVID crisis I can understand that your spirit is feeling rather worse for wear.

      Liked by 1 person

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  6. T Ibara Photo

    What a beautiful wader this is!
    The nature centres are (quite understandably) closed to the public given the global situation, so I must be a bit more patient till my first glimpse of this year’s migrating waders and other shore birds. I am very happy to see them through your photos!
    Wishing you and your family a lovely weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓
    1. de Wets Wild Post author

      Thanks very much for the kind words, Takami, and I am holding thumbs with you that the crisis will soon be a thing of the past so that we can recharge our batteries out in beautiful places.

      Liked by 1 person

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