Semipalmated Sandpiper (9296230249)

Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) feeding in the shallow alkaline waters of Chaplin Lake in southern Saskatchewan on the Trans-Canada Highway between Moose Jaw and Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Prey is abundant in the shallow waters and thousands of shorebirds annually stage there in the spring to build body reserves for their northward migration and to a lesser extent in the fall migration period.

Over 30 species of shorebirds have been observed on the lake complex and most of the resident prairie shorebird species nest on or near the lake.

Access is very limited but there is a local tourism facility which focuses on the lake and its importance to shorebirds.

19 May, 2013.

Slide # GWB_20130519_6761.CR2

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