To the human, vacationing world, July is the beginning of summer. But in the Arctic, June 21st, the Summer Solstice, marks the beginning of fall. For tundra-nesting birds, the days are shortening; the sun, rather than just barely grazing the horizon with 24 hours of daylight, is actually beginning to set. And with the reminder of night, comes the urge to migrate once more. So, July marks the start of Shorebird watching.

Our local beach-nesting birds such as Piping Plovers, American Oystercatchers, and Least or Common Terns are active, still busy raising their families. But they will soon be joined by migrants from further north. Ruddy Turnstones and Black-bellied and Semipalmated Plover are among the first. Soon afterwards, Short-billed Dowitchers will be stitching their way along the flats, slurping up marine worms, tiny mollusks, and crustaceans. Following them will be Greater Yellowlegs (pictured below). Whimbrel, their elegant down-curving bills identifying them, stalk the marshes in search of fiddler crabs. By the middle of the month, Sanderlings will begin to trickle in.

Some birders complain, “Shorebirds are hard!”

Yes, many of them are greyish-brownish above, whiteish below. But it is good practice to take special note of size, bill shape, leg color, and attitude. It must be admitted, a good telescope is a huge help. But, by keeping a casual, respectful distance, pausing or just being still, and not staring like a predator, it is possible to sneak closer. All too often some unaware human will come along and flush the birds under observation. But be grateful for the other beach-lovers, as without them there would be no beach, only houses and seawalls.