Visit a Atlantic coast mudflat in August and I can almost guaranty that you'll see a Semipalmated Sandpiper. This species is one of the "peeps" - a group of very similar (in both appearance and behavior) shorebirds that scurry over the bits of mud at the margins of a continent. Semis are also likely to be found on exposed areas of large rivers or flooded grassy areas.
Despite their behavioral flexibility, semis are declining precipitously: 80% fewer in 20 years. This inspired a multi-organizational study of their movements and breeding biology. To understand movements, geolocators were placed on 192 birds on their breeding grounds in the Canadian tundra. After a year, thirty-five geolocators were recovered containing a log of coordinates recorded over their year-long exploits.
The story from one individual is remarkable. A male tagged in 2013 flew over 10,000 miles and included one flight bout 3300 miles. That's an incredible physiological feat and I'm looking forward to hearing more about this study.
Ecological research and life at mid-sized liberal arts university
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