Sanderling?

[Don Thompson]

I have so much trouble ID some shore birds. This was taken on Sanibel Island on May 11, 2011. Any help would be appreciated.

[Paul Guris]

Yep, it's a Sanderling. The bill looks correct, the spotted look on the head and neck is right, the rufous fringes on the back are right, and from what we can see it looks like this bird has a big and bold white wing stripe.

FYI, there's a "cheater" way to ID them is if you have a reasonably clear shot of the foot. Sanderlings have no hind toe.

[Don Thompson]

Thanks for the assist and the tip.