Thousands of Birds Vacation Here as They Head South

Blanket of Peeps

A lone Willet towers over a blanket of peeps [All photos by Ann Constantino]

Birders flock (pardon the pun) from all over to see the feathered inhabitants that live around here and to see those that pass through our area. These images show why. The sheer number of sandpipers in these shots is mindboggling. Local photographer Ann Constantino captured this massive flock headed south for the winter as they vacationed on the shores of Klopp Lake near the Arcata Marsh.

If you love our wildlife (particularly birds), follow Ann’s Facebook page here for more lovely photos.

[Photo by Ann Constantino]

The peeps pack the shore of Arcata’s Klopp Lake on Friday, August 19.

Peeps [Photo by Ann Constantino]

Swarms of peeps bolt into flight when the Peregrine Falcon makes a pass at them. [Photo by Ann Constantino]

Closeup of Peep

Closeup of a peep 

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17 Comments
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veterans friend
Guest
veterans friend
7 years ago

They are not “on vacation”…that is so lame

Bobbi
Guest
Bobbi
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Layover. Vaca. Transcients? Non resident birds?
LOL
A Sign of a harsh winter according to the almanac

Life is Good
Guest
Life is Good
7 years ago

With a “friend” like you who needs enemies.

J Dubbs
Guest
J Dubbs
7 years ago
Reply to  Life is Good

Lol. Good one

Robert
Guest
Robert
7 years ago

Stop for a rest or a break, why not a vacation? Who are you to say what there doing?

C
Guest
C
7 years ago

Good to see wildlife doing their thing!

Dyerville Loop is Not Alderpoint
Guest
Dyerville Loop is Not Alderpoint
7 years ago

Damn vetranarian friend, your grumpier than iam, loosen up, life is good. great photos anne thank you

Ernie Branscomb
Guest
7 years ago

I’ve never heard them called “peeps” before. I’ve always heard them called stints, or more often, sandpipers. But, I’m getting used to being wrong.

Thank-you Ann and kym. Also, I must say that I’ve not seen this many in one place, ever. I guess that alone is worth learning a new name.

Sandpiper
Guest
Sandpiper
7 years ago

I am on vacation, but all the best hotels and B & Bs were full so I decided a short stay at Klopp Lake would suit me fine for such a short stay.

G-ma
Guest
G-ma
7 years ago

At least they still want to.come here.such cool photos thanks.my peeps

Big louie
Guest
Big louie
7 years ago

Ya thay no tweezers don’t eat

Joe Mota
Guest
Joe Mota
7 years ago

Great photos. Wildlife species often have a number of common names, some of them with only very localized usage. It would have been better for the writer to provide the most common common name (sandpiper, I believe) for the birds identified as “peeps”, which I’ve never heard. Field guides such as Audubon’s usually list the most common common names.

Rob Fowler
Guest
Rob Fowler
7 years ago

“Peeps” is the common North American term used for the smallest sandpipers found here: Least, Western and Semipalmated. Stints are all Old World sandpipers that by NA definition are also peeps: Red-necked Stint, Little Stint, Long-toed Stint and Temminck’s Stint.

Great to see Ann’s shots get some press here!

gunther
Guest
gunther
7 years ago

Best story of the year (so far) Kym. Outstanding! The lone Willet in the top photo might be thinking….”did I make a wrong turn somewhere?” lol

Robert
Guest
Robert
7 years ago

There is the Africaan Sandpiper also Rhode Island stint, but most common is Spanish peeps

Barb
Guest
Barb
7 years ago

We are all God’s creatures. For me, I’m glad they come for us to see them.