Least Sandpiper
As the common and scientific names suggest, this is a tiny species and the smallest New World shorebird (wader). It weighs a mere 20 grams or so (less than one ounce), which is less than most songbirds. Despite its small size, migration sees it make considerable journeys between its breeding grounds in northern North America and winter territories that may be as far distant as northern South America. This individual was at Whiffin Spit near Sooke on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
Least Sandpiper
As the common and scientific names suggest, this is a tiny species and the smallest New World shorebird (wader). It weighs a mere 20 grams or so (less than one ounce), which is less than most songbirds. Despite its small size, migration sees it make considerable journeys between its breeding grounds in northern North America and winter territories that may be as far distant as northern South America. This individual was at Whiffin Spit near Sooke on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.