{"id":4342,"date":"2020-11-20T09:06:23","date_gmt":"2020-11-20T09:06:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/?p=4342"},"modified":"2020-12-01T22:44:10","modified_gmt":"2020-12-01T22:44:10","slug":"the-little-potato-that-could-the-least-sandpiper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/2020\/11\/20\/the-little-potato-that-could-the-least-sandpiper\/","title":{"rendered":"The little potato that could: The Least Sandpiper"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we think about birds, we often consider the most spectacularly coloured ones or the most unbelievable predators. Last summer, I found myself mesmerized as I watched what appeared to be a small russet potato dart across a rocky beach at Nitinat lake in July 2020. His small eyes gleaned intensely as he searched for his next snack, seemingly impartial to my presence. It was at that moment I realized one of the true beauties about birds, their sheer diversity. His plumage was far from spectacular (obvious by my potato description), he did not appear palatable in any way; nor did he look like an apex predator. Instead, he had one magnificent quality that trumped all of those traits, he was bloody cute. With the help of the internet, I soon discovered that I was looking at the Least Sandpiper\u2014 a Chad after my own heart! Understanding the outstanding beauty of my fine feathered friend, I invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy learning about a bird that may not have previously made your top ten coolest birds list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:30px\"><strong>Let\u2019s get to know these feisty little taters.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Identification and Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Least Sandpiper (<em>Calidris minutilla<\/em>) is a spectacularly small shorebird. In fact, it is the smallest shorebird in the world, standing at an average of 5.1-5.9 inches (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/id\">All About Birds<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/twra\/wildlife\/birds\/waterbirds\/least-sandpiper.html\">Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency<\/a>). They belong to the Family Scolopacidae, and further classified within the Order Charadriiformes. While these birds can be distinguished from certain sandpipers by size (The Upland Sandpiper average being 11.0-12.6 inches (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Upland_Sandpiper\/id\">All About Birds<\/a>)), others such as the semipalmated Sandpiper are more difficult to differentiate, as they average 5.9-7.5 inches (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Semipalmated_Sandpiper\/id\">All About Birds<\/a>). In particular, Least Sandpipers and Semipalmated Sandpipers can be distinguished by feet colour, as semipalmated have black feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/nonbreeding-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4346\" class=\"wp-image-4346\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/nonbreeding-1.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/nonbreeding-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/nonbreeding-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/nonbreeding-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">a)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/breeding-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4348\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/breeding-1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/?attachment_id=4348\" class=\"wp-image-4348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/breeding-1.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/breeding-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/breeding-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/breeding-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">b)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Figure 1: a) Adult Least Sandpiper in nonbreeding plumage (Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/media-browser\/64822711\">Ian Davies<\/a>). b) Adult Least Sandpiper in breeding plumage (Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/media-browser\/64822761\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/media-browser\/64822761\">Evan Lipton<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Least Sandpipers sport a fairly drab plumage, regardless of the season (breeding vs. non-breeding). They have a white belly surrounded by a gradient of brown-grey plumage, that spans from their head to their tail tips. In addition to this, they also have a long black beak with a slight down curve, and dull yellow-green legs with disproportionally long toes. Just imagine a combination of rubber ducky yellow and Shrek green, that should accurately depict their leg colour. During their breeding season (discussed later), they display similar colouration and design. The key differences include the disappearance of grey, followed by the addition of slight yellowish hues and a rusty speckling on their back (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/id\">All About Birds<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A delicate song to put you to sleep \u2026 NOT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Least Sandpipers love to trill. Trills are, a type of sound production that involves a broader range of frequencies that are combined to create an echo-like sound. During breeding season, the males (and sometimes females) sing a sequence of fairly high-pitched trills. When they\u2019re not trying to get lucky, their call is still high-pitched, but becomes more of a <em>creep<\/em> sound, with trills mixed in (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/sounds\">All About Birds<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/XC496351-Least-Sandpiper-Calidris-minutilla-1.mp3\"><\/audio><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Sound 1: The call of a Least Sandpiper. Note that each call contains multiple frequencies, which is what causes the echo-like trill (sound recorded by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xeno-canto.org\/496351\">Thomas Graves<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>These guys indeed like to move it move it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For being such small individuals, these birds are fierce migrators. They travel massive distances every year, and presumably not just for fun. Shown below, we can see a distribution map of Least Sandpipers in North America. It is suspected that the Eastern populations fly between 1800-2500 miles non-stop over the ocean to arrive in South America; while the Western population follow a more modest crawl along the coast or near interior (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/maps-range\">All About Birds<\/a>). If that didn\u2019t just blow your socks off, then I know you are definitely a liar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"961\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/32316161-1280px-961x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4352\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/32316161-1280px-961x1024.jpg 961w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/32316161-1280px-282x300.jpg 282w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/32316161-1280px-768x818.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/32316161-1280px.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 961px) 100vw, 961px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These competitors can be seen nearly anywhere in North America. Although, it should be noted that they prefer wet areas such as mudflats, marches, swamps, and shores due to feeding habits (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/field-guide\/bird\/least-sandpiper\">Audubon<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Figure 2: Geographic distribution of Least Sandpipers in North America (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/maps-range\">All About Birds<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soooooo, what\u2019s for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wxystpPE1xU\">dinner<\/a>?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Least Sandpipers thrive on a healthy diet comprised of various benthic invertebrates, above ground insects, and occasionally wetland seeds (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/lifehistory#food\">All About Birds<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sdakotabirds.com\/species\/least_sandpiper_info.htm\">South Dakota Birds<\/a>). Like most shorebirds, Least Sandpipers are probers, meaning they dart around wet, muddy areas searching for prey. Their long bill allows them to penetrate the mud and extract hidden invertebrates. An incredibly fascinating fact about these birds is that they use a special technique called \u2018surface tension prey transport\u2019 (<a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary-wiley-com.ezproxy.viu.ca\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/j.1474-919X.1997.tb04663.x\">Rebuga<\/a>, 2008). This involves the rapid opening and closing of the jaw, which carries a droplet of water containing prey items up the bills for consumption (<a href=\"https:\/\/bioone-org.ezproxy.viu.ca\/journals\/the-auk\/volume-124\/issue-4\/0004-8038(2007)124%5b1244:SPFAOS%5d2.0.CO;2\/SMALL-PREY-PROFITABILITY--FIELD-ANALYSIS-OF-SHOREBIRDS-USE-OF\/10.1642\/0004-8038(2007)124%5b1244:SPFAOS%5d2.0.CO;2.full\">Estrella <em>et al<\/em><\/a><em>,<\/em> 2007). This techniques works due to the unique physical properties of water, which apparently are the bane of invertebrate existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/DSC_0065-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/DSC_0065-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/DSC_0065-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/DSC_0065-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/DSC_0065-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/DSC_0065-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Figure 3: \u201cI found a snack!\u201d Adult Least Sandpiper feeding at Nitinat lake, July 2020 (Photo by James Ogihara-Kertz).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where does sexy time fit in, and where does it happen?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, the good stuff \u2026 Wait shit, did I say that out loud? Least Sandpipers are known to breed in the spring (mid-May to early-June), similar to most other avian species (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.oiseaux-birds.com\/card-least-sandpiper.html\">Bouglouan<\/a>). They migrate fairly far north to breed, one of the southernmost location being Sable Island, Nova Scotia (<a href=\"https:\/\/cdnsciencepub.com\/doi\/pdf\/10.1139\/z83-376\">Miller<\/a>, 1983). Interestingly, when mating season arrives, the males migrate approximately a week before the females do. This buffer time allows males sufficient time to prepare their lovely nests for inspection, in hopes of wooing the lady of their dreams (or any lady, really). This is actually a very innovative and simplified version of tinder. The males are stripped of their \u2018swiping\u2019 privilege while the females are allowed unequivocal decision making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Least Sandpiper breeding occurs predominantly on dry ground near bodies of water to protect the eggs and allow easy access to feeding. Female generally lay 3-4 eggs (<a href=\"https:\/\/www-jstor-org.ezproxy.viu.ca\/stable\/3676338?pq-origsite=summon&amp;seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents\">Miller<\/a>, 1979; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/lifehistory#food\">All About Birds<\/a>) with an incubation period between 19-23 days. The female generally deserted quite quickly, leaving the male to protect his young, usually until they can fly, around 14-16 days later (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/field-guide\/bird\/least-sandpiper\">Audubon<\/a>). The juvenile birds display plumage somewhat similar to the breeding plumage of adults, Except they are more brightly coloured and display some additional rufous colour (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sibleyguides.com\/product\/sibley-field-guide-birds-western-north-america-second-edition\/\">Sibley<\/a>, 2016; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/id\">All About Birds<\/a>). They also sport a whitish supercilium (eyebrow area). As previously discussed, the plumage in Least Sandpipers is monomorphic, so to differentiate male and female juveniles you would have to monitor a dimorphic characteristic (such as bill length).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/juvenile-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/juvenile-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/juvenile-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/juvenile-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/juvenile.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Figure 4: Juvenile Least Sandpiper. Notice the white supercilium right above the eye (Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/media-browser\/64822741\">Alix d\u2019Entremont<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Save the shorebirds!!!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Least Sandpipers are very common throughout North America and are listed as a low concern for conservation, it does not mean that we should neglect them in any way. Shorebirds have been steadily declining over the years due habitat destruction veiled as urbanization. A 2016 North American study reported a 70% decrease in shorebird populations since the 1970s, which is absolutely mind blowing (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.natureconservancy.ca\/en\/where-we-work\/manitoba\/news\/shorebird-populations.html\">Nature Conservancy Canada<\/a>, 2018; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stateofthebirds.org\/2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/SotB_16-04-26-ENGLISH-BEST.pdf\">North American Bird Conservation Initiative<\/a>, 2016). According to a 2012 study by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/lifehistory#conservation\">Connell lab of Ornithology<\/a>, it estimated 700,000 Least Sandpipers in North America (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.savecoastalwildlife.org\/save-coastal-wildlife-blog\/2019\/6\/11\/shorebirds-in-decline\">Save Coastal Wildlife<\/a>). Don\u2019t let this fool you into thinking that they\u2019re perfectly safe. Consider a 1% decrease in population, that would result in a 7000-indiviual loss. Amplifying this to a 10 year steady decline would mean 70,000 Least Sandpipers in 10 years\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, I just know that you\u2019re all at the edge of your seat wondering what you can do. Yes you! Becoming aware of the habitat destruction occuring around you is a wonderful first step. Even with a quick google search I was able to find some interesting links to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.obwb.ca\/wetlands\/\">Okanagan Wetlands Strategy<\/a> as well as a document on the importance of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/assets\/gov\/environment\/plants-animals-and-ecosystems\/species-ecosystems-at-risk\/brochures\/wetlands_southern_interior_valleys.pdf\">Wetlands of the Southern Interior Valleys<\/a>. I realize the second article is outdated (2004), but urbanization of wetlands and population growth are constantly growing, so it proves to remain relevant regardless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sidebar: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/field-guide\/bird\/least-sandpiper#:~:text=The%20smallest%20member%20of%20the,small%20bodies%20of%20water%20inland.\">Audubon<\/a> has a super interesting visual model of how climate change and temperature increase will affect Least Sandpiper range. It even lets you look at different temperature increases! It really helped you understand how drastically temperature increase would affect the world; I highly recommend sneaking a peek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:30px\"><strong>What exactly do we think we\u2019re doing in THEIR swamp?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The year is 2050, I am no longer as plump as I once was whilst preparing for migration. The food supplies are simply not what they used to be. Furthermore, my favourite swamp has just been urbanized by those awful, awful humans. Shorebird populations have been decimated across Canada. Different species of shorebirds have put aside their differences and have united with the hopes of sweet retribution. Why us, what did we ever do to deserve such a hellish punishment? I leave this as my last cry for help before I begin my arduous journey to the promised land, with the hopes that someone may read this and call to arms, for us. <\/p><p>&#8211; An internal monologue from Jeff, the Least Sandpiper<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/DSC_0067-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4355\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/DSC_0067-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/DSC_0067-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/DSC_0067-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/DSC_0067-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/files\/2020\/11\/DSC_0067-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Figure 5: A picture was included in the bottle, presumably this is Jeff. Since there was no photographer listed, I guess I have to take credit (Photo by James Ogihara-Kertz).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I received this immensely moving message from a bottle floating in the ocean that was undeniably from the future. I was so touched that I decided to make it my mission to research shorebird habitat destruction, with the hopes of fulfilling Jeff\u2019s wishes. A united call to arms from the human race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you read above, Least Sandpiper populations may not be in imminent danger, but we need to conserve those numbers by protecting the very land they flourish on. Human have been ravaging the earth for many years now. Our greed has now turned its eyes to the precious wetlands, swamp, and mudflats, that house so many wonderful species, including our beloved Least Sandpiper. Studies have reported that across Canada and the United States, approximately 85% of wetlands have already been destroyed and replaced by agricultural expansion (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/wetlands-update\/\">Scientific American<\/a>). Due to the efforts of many conservation groups the rate has greatly slowed, but slowing the rate is no longer sufficient; it needs to be completely stopped!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Least Sandpipers, among other shorebirds, rely heavily on abundant wetlands during migratory periods as stopover locations to refuel energy stores. In the case of Least Sandpipers, they must travel north up thousands of miles to breed, and then back down those same miles to their non-breeding grounds. Maximizing the acreage of wetlands available is critical as it not only allows for greater freedom during migration, but also ensures that specific regions are not overexploited. Tofino is home to one such gem, The Wah-nah-jus Hilth-hoo-is mudflats. Since 1997, the majority of The Wah-nah-jus Hilth-hoo-is mudflats have been within the boundaries of the Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area (WMA) (<a href=\"https:\/\/whsrn.org\/whsrn_sites\/tofino-wah-nah-jus-hilth-hoo-is-mudflats\/\">WHSRN<\/a>). However, regardless of conservation efforts, Dunlin, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpipers, and Short-billed Dowitchers have experienced negative trends regarding counts (<a href=\"https:\/\/bioone-org.ezproxy.viu.ca\/journals\/waterbirds\/volume-39\/issue-2\/063.039.0203\/Monitoring-Migrating-Shorebirds-at-the-Tofino-Mudflats-in-British-Columbia\/10.1675\/063.039.0203.full\">Drever <em>et al, <\/em>2016<\/a>). These negative effects were characterized as a reduction in feeding due to higher rates of vigilance towards humans, fleeing, and distancing (<a href=\"https:\/\/www-jstor-org.ezproxy.viu.ca\/stable\/pdf\/26271862.pdf?refreqid=excelsior%3A91d1bed61011382ecc0acb41e32e02e1\">Frid and Dill, 2002<\/a>). Due to our presence, the shorebirds were not able to maximize their efficiency, leading to not enough fat stores, late migration, and potentially death.  But we want Tofino, don\u2019t we? And obviously if we want it then it MUST be ours. And once again, our greed to capitalize on the beauty of nature will take its toll on Least Sandpipers and other precious species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Restoration of wetlands sounds like a fantastic idea, right?! Yes and no. It\u2019s a wonderfully thoughtful idea to restore what we have so greedily taken. However, studies have reported that the efficacy of this is questionable. It appears as though \u2018restoration\u2019 of wetlands is simply someone slapping a goddamn band-aid on the swamp and calling a day. The ecological processes that have been disrupted can take decades to fully recover (now that, is a big ol\u2019 yikes). What\u2019s more, the beta diversity was lower in restored wetlands vs. natural ones (<a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary-wiley-com.ezproxy.viu.ca\/doi\/epdf\/10.1111\/rec.13015\">Anderson and Rooney, 2019<\/a>). Beta diversity refers to the ratio of regional (in this case migratory birds) to local residents. That means that even though the wetlands had been restored, migratory birds would not return as readily. The evident solution is presented on a silver platter, rather than putting all of our effort in restoration of wetlands, we should focus on conserving what we still have, and have restoration as a secondary goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>On a scale of 10-10 how much have these devilishly handsome birds stolen your heart?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Personally, it\u2019s the easiest 11 out of 10 that\u2019s ever left my lips. Thanks so much for checking out the blog, I hope you enjoyed reading it. I encourage you to follow up, do your own research, and learn even more about these amazing birds. Feel free to leave any question or opinions in the comments below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Literature cited:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anderson, D.L.; Rooney, R.C. (2019). Differences exist in bird communities using restored and natural wetlands in the Parkland region, Alberta, Canada. <em>Restor. Ecol.<\/em>, 27(6), 1495-1507. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi-org.ezproxy.viu.ca\/10.1111\/rec.13015\">https:\/\/doi-org.ezproxy.viu.ca\/10.1111\/rec.13015<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Audubon. (n.d.). Guide to North American Birds: Least Sandpiper. Retrieved November 17, 2020, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/field-guide\/bird\/least-sandpiper\">https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/field-guide\/bird\/least-Sandpiper<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bouglouan, N. (n.d.). oiseaux-birds: Least Sandpiper. Retrieved November 17, 2020, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.oiseaux-birds.com\/card-least-sandpiper.html\">http:\/\/www.oiseaux-birds.com\/card-least-Sandpiper.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brandon, M.B. Nature Conservancy Canada. (2018). Shorebird populations declining. Retrieved November 17, 2020. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.natureconservancy.ca\/en\/where-we-work\/manitoba\/news\/shorebird-populations.html\">https:\/\/www.natureconservancy.ca\/en\/where-we-work\/manitoba\/news\/shorebird-populations.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Davies, I. (2016, September 28). Nonbreeding adult Least Sandpiper [Photograph]. Georgia. Macaulay Library. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/media-browser\/64822761\">https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/media-browser\/64822761<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">d&#8217;Entremont, A. (2014, August 23). Juvenile Least Sandpiper [Photograph]. Nova Scotia. Macaulay Library. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/media-browser\/64822741\">https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/media-browser\/64822741<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drever, M.C.; Beasley, B.A.; Zharikov, Y.; Lemon, M.J.F.; Levesque, P.G.; Boyd, M.D.; Dorst, A. Monitoring Migrating Shorebirds at the Tofino Mudflats in British Columbia, Canada: is Disturbance a Concern?. <em>Waterbirds<\/em>, 39(2), 125-135. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1675\/063.039.0203\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1675\/063.039.0203<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Estrella, S.M.; Masero, J.A.; P\u00e9rez-Hurtado, A. (2007). Small-prey profitability: Field analysis of shorebirds\u2019 use of surface tension of water to transport prey. <em>The Auk,<\/em> 124(4), 1244-1253. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1642\/0004-8038(2007)124%5b1244:SPFAOS%5d2.0.CO;2\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1642\/0004-8038(2007)124[1244:SPFAOS]2.0.CO;2<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Frid, A.; Dill, L. (2002). Human-caused Disturbance Stimuli as a Form of Predation Risk. <em>Conserv. Ecol.,<\/em> 6(1), 1-16. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/26271862\">https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/26271862<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Graves, T.G. (2019, September 2) Least Sandpiper Call [Audio file] Morro Bay, CA. https:\/\/www.xeno-canto.org\/496351<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jim\u00e9nez, A.; Garc\u00eda-Lau, I.; Gonzalez, A.; Acosta, M.; Mugica, L. (2015). Sex Determination of Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) and Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri): Comparing Methodological Robustness of Two Morphometric Methods. <em>Waterbirds<\/em>, 38(1), 10-18. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1675\/063.038.0103\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1675\/063.038.0103<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lipton, E. (2016, May 16). Breeding adult Least Sandpiper [Photograph]. Massachusetts. Macaulay Library. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/media-browser\/64822761\">https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/media-browser\/64822761<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miller, E.H. (1979). Egg Size in the Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. <em>Ornis. Scand., <\/em>10(1), 10-16. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi-org.ezproxy.viu.ca\/10.2307\/3676338\">https:\/\/doi-org.ezproxy.viu.ca\/10.2307\/3676338<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miller, E.H. (1983). Habitat and breeding cycle of the Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) on Sable Island, Nova Scotia. <em>Can. J. Zool., <\/em>61(12), 2880-2898. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi-org.ezproxy.viu.ca\/10.1139\/z83-376\">https:\/\/doi-org.ezproxy.viu.ca\/10.1139\/z83-376<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management; Ministry of Water, Land, and Air Protection. (March 2004). Wetlands of the Southern Interior Valleys. Retrieved November 17, 2020, <a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/assets\/gov\/environment\/plants-animals-and-ecosystems\/species-ecosystems-at-risk\/brochures\/wetlands_southern_interior_valleys.pdf\">https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/assets\/gov\/environment\/plants-animals-and-ecosystems\/species-ecosystems-at-risk\/brochures\/wetlands_southern_interior_valleys.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Okanagan Basin Water Board. (December 2019). Okanagan Wetlands Strategy. Retrieved November 17, 2020, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.obwb.ca\/newsite\/wp-content\/uploads\/rpt_wetlands_final_singles_1_1.pdf\">https:\/\/www.obwb.ca\/newsite\/wp-content\/uploads\/rpt_wetlands_final_singles_1_1.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rubega, M.A. (2008). Surface tension prey transport in shorebirds: how widespread is it? <em>Ibis<\/em>, 139(3), 488-493. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi-org.ezproxy.viu.ca\/10.1111\/j.1474-919X.1997.tb04663.x\">https:\/\/doi-org.ezproxy.viu.ca\/10.1111\/j.1474-919X.1997.tb04663.x<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Save Coastal Wildlife. (June 11, 2019). Shorebirds in decline. Retrieved November 17, 2020, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savecoastalwildlife.org\/save-coastal-wildlife-blog\/2019\/6\/11\/shorebirds-in-decline\">https:\/\/www.savecoastalwildlife.org\/save-coastal-wildlife-blog\/2019\/6\/11\/shorebirds-in-decline<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scientific American. (July 9, 2006). Wetlands Update&#8211;Has Preservation Had an Impact?. Retrieved November 19, 2020, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/wetlands-update\/\">https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/wetlands-update\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sibley, D.A. (2016). Least Sandpiper. In Sibley Birds West: Field Guide to Birds of Western North America. Knopf, A.A. [ed], New York, NY. p. 143. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sibleyguides.com\/product\/sibley-field-guide-birds-western-north-america-second-edition\/\">https:\/\/www.sibleyguides.com\/product\/sibley-field-guide-birds-western-north-america-second-edition\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Dakota Birds. (n.d.). Least Sandpiper. Retrieved November 17, 2020, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sdakotabirds.com\/species\/least_sandpiper_info.htm\">https:\/\/www.sdakotabirds.com\/species\/least_Sandpiper_info.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">State of North America\u2019s Birds. (2016). Oiseaux. Birds. Aves. Retrieved November 17, 2020, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stateofthebirds.org\/2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/SotB_16-04-26-ENGLISH-BEST.pdf\">https:\/\/www.stateofthebirds.org\/2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/SotB_16-04-26-ENGLISH-BEST.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Syilvia Duckworth. (2011, January 15). Je suis une pizza, Charlotte Diamond [Video file]. Retrieved November 20, 2020, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wxystpPE1xU\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wxystpPE1xU<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. (n.d.). Least Sandpiper. Retrieved November 17, 2020, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/twra\/wildlife\/birds\/waterbirds\/least-sandpiper.html\">https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/twra\/wildlife\/birds\/waterbirds\/least-Sandpiper.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Cornell lab of Ornithology. (2019) All About Birds: Least Sandpiper. Retrieved November 17, 2020, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/overview\">https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Least_Sandpiper\/overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Cornell lab of Ornithology. (2019) All About Birds: Semipalmated Sandpiper. Retrieved November 17, 2020, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Semipalmated_Sandpiper\/overview\">https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Semipalmated_Sandpiper\/overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Cornell lab of Ornithology. (2019) All About Birds: Upland Sandpiper. Retrieved November 17, 2020, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Upland_Sandpiper\/overview\">https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Upland_Sandpiper\/overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. (2013) Tofino Wah-nah-jus Hilth-hoo-is Mudflats. Retrieved December 1, 2020. <a href=\"https:\/\/whsrn.org\/whsrn_sites\/tofino-wah-nah-jus-hilth-hoo-is-mudflats\/\">https:\/\/whsrn.org\/whsrn_sites\/tofino-wah-nah-jus-hilth-hoo-is-mudflats\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When we think about birds, we often consider the most spectacularly coloured ones or the most unbelievable predators. Last summer, I found myself mesmerized as I watched what appeared to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3009,"featured_media":4343,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4342","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4342","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3009"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4342"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4342\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4635,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4342\/revisions\/4635"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4343"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4342"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4342"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4342"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}