Sanderling
Calidris alba
Length 20cm

Common winter visitor to sandy beaches around Britain and Ireland, present from September to April. At a distance, winter bird looks very white; at close range shows grey upperparts, white underparts, black 'shoulder' patch, and black legs and bill. Invariably seen in small flocks running at great speed and feeding along edge of breaking waves. Usually tolerant of human observers. Confusing, reddish brown breeding plumage birds sometimes seen in spring and autumn.