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Dunlin: Coastal Cardio

Most of the year, the Dunlin looks like an unremarkable gray bird, subtle, soft, and barely noticeable. Think of him as the guy at the beach wearing khakis and blending into the sand. The only giveaway? That slightly droopy bill that says, “Yes, I am in fact a sandpiper, thanks for asking.”

 

But come breeding season, he goes full makeover. Out comes the rusty back, the bold black belly—suddenly he’s dressed like he’s ready for a sandbar fashion show.

 

This Dunlin is in transition. His belly patch says “not quite ready,” but his back is yelling, “Let’s start a family!” That bold patch is the classic look of a Dunlin ramping up for nesting season, and possibly rehearsing pickup lines.

 

 

His back says breeding, his belly agrees

He’s dressed up for the birds and the bees.

 

 

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Uploaded on June 20, 2025
Taken on April 28, 2025