
Western Sandpiper Stercorarius longicaudus
Small and stocky with black legs and beak, they’re one of the tough-to-tell-apart sandpipers known as “peeps”. Look for rust-coloured patches on the head and wings during warmer months, which is the most likely time you’ll find them on the BC Bird Trail.
Spring and summer
Shorelines, mainly beaches and mudflats, are the place to try and spot these tiny sandpipers running around. You may not notice them until you or someone else gets too close and a handful of them lift off and fly a bit farther down the beach.
Most active in the Western parts of the province, you can spot the Western Sandpiper on the Central Vancouver Island, Columbia Valley, Fraser Valley, and South Fraser Bird Trails. The outposts where they can be observed include Langford, Tofino, Sooke, Kelowna, Vernon and the Southern Gulf Islands.
Find the Western Sandpiper on the bird trail
Tofino
We respectfully acknowledge the unceded traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples and the traditional keepers of their land. We want to say thank you for allowing us to live, work, and play on your lands.Delta
Harrison River Valley
Chilliwack
Cranbrook
Sooke
The District of Sooke occupies the unceded traditional territories of the T’Sou-ke and Scia’new Nations. Central to Sooke’s history, we recognize the ongoing presence, influence and rights of these Nations within the community. It is with tremendous gratitude that we have the honour to call these lands home.Kimberley
Columbia Valley
The traditional territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc people.or jump right to an itinerary...
Golden Cranbrook Kimberley Radium Hot Springs and Invermere-Panorama