The sanderling (Calidris alba) is a 18-20 cm long wading bird. Despite its small size, this migratory species can travel between 3000 and 10000 km every year to reach its breeding sites in the arctic of North America and Eurasia. On the other hand, it spends winter months in warmer regions, reaching south up to South America, Africa and Australia. This species feeds on small invertebrates as crustaceans and mollusks, and during migration and winter can be seen running along sandy beaches in groups, in a kind of frenetic fashion, looking for prey. They are mostly active during sunrise and sunset, while rest during the day, in preparation for the next stage of their great migratory journey.

I had the chance to spend some time in company of a small sanderling group on the beaches of Grenen, the northernmost tip of Denmark, a prime spot for observing passage migrant birds during spring and autumn. The small sanderling group stopped in Grenen in October, for enjoying a rich buffet based on small bivalves. This allowed them to store essential energy for continuing their travel south, that would lead them to Southern Europe and maybe even Africa. I watched them feed, take flight in group as they were alarmed by the passage of people or a dog, and finally rest with their beak under the wing as the sun raised higher over the horizon.