Birdwatching often rewards patience with fascinating glimpses of avian behavior. On behalf of a bird call on Ornitho.de I rushed to Caputher Gemünde at the outflow of the Schwielowsee. With many observers already waiting, I encountered a vagrant Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius), a species typically found in the Americas. Its unique foraging habits and adaptability made for an engaging study, showcasing how this bird thrives in a European habitat.
But waiting on a watch point at the outflow of the Schwielowsee was first. After more than 1 hour, roughly between 14:00 and 15:00, the Spotted Sandpiper demonstrated dynamic foraging behavior, actively seeking food at various spots along both banks of the canal. Instead of sticking to one location, it repeatedly changed its foraging area, utilizing the shorelines on both sides – but mainly using the eastern side. The bird focused on probing between the stones of the shore reinforcements and the crevices in the stone edges of the path. Occasionally, it would insert its slender bill directly into the soil, showing its resourcefulness in exploiting microhabitats for sustenance. Interestingly, it avoided searching for food along the tide line during the observation period and preferred even the grassy shore.
Identifiable prey included two earthworms (Lumbricus spp.), the snail of the blog photo and small black insects or spiders, retrieved from the cracks between stones. This behavior highlights its ability to adapt to a range of prey types in a non-native environment.
Unlike many shorebirds, the Spotted Sandpiper displayed minimal fear of human presence. It tolerated foot traffic and allowed photographers to approach closely, creeping near observers without exhibiting notable distress. This calm demeanor provided excellent opportunities to study its behavior in detail and capture its foraging techniques up close.
The presence of a vagrant Spotted Sandpiper at Caputher Gemünde adds a remarkable chapter to the region’s avian records. For bird enthusiasts, such sightings serve as reminders of nature’s unpredictability and the wonder of observing wildlife up close. This encounter was definitely the highlight of the week.
In order to meet the growing demand for top images of the rarer species of Palaearctic Bird-lens.com has specifically made trips to remote places. Additionally every chance is used, if a rare bird is around the homeground. This to do everything to ensure excellent photos of the Birds of the Western Palearctic. The yield of pictures also of rare Western Palaearctic birds is very good. There are other nice images of birds, that you will find behind the tab “Picture Shop“. Just give a notice if you need a picture of a bird which is not online.