A young Spotted Sandpiper arrived at Le Nichoir in critical condition after being found lying in a strawberry field, unable to walk and completely exhausted. Upon arrival, our biologist immediately stabilized the bird and began supportive care.
Today, this little sandpiper is doing much better. It has a healthy appetite for mealworms and other insects and spends much of its time nestled beside a mirror, happily believing it has a companion which helps ensure the bird does not become habituated to humans and reduces its stress in captivity. As it begins to grow its juvenile feathers, it will be moved to an outdoor aviary where it can continue to grow and develop the skills it needs before being released back into the wild.
Did you know? Spotted Sandpiper chicks are so independent that they leave the nest within hours of hatching and begin feeding themselves right away—but they still rely on their father for protection until they can fly.
