Dunlin (Calidris Alpina), Lena Delta
The Dunlin or Red-Backed Sandpiper, breeds in wet coastal Tundra and winters on mudflats, wet, sandy beaches, and fields. They form their nests on the ground or in low vegetation and are thus extremely vulnerable to predators. The Dunlin wades in the shallows and uses it’s bill to probe for food. Flocks of Sandpipers are often very large and impressive when swooping to escape attack by Merlins or Peregrine Falcons.
Year: 2010
From album: Lena Delta Reserve expanded as part of the Sakha Republic's (Yakutia) "Gift to the Earth"
Photographer: Peter Prokosch