Feeding Behavior and Habitat Use of Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) and Least Sandpipers (Calidris minutilla) in the San Juan Islands, Washington during Summer 2021

Abstract

Coastal ecosystems are important for shoreline species. As anthropogenic changes increase, shoreline species become more vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation. Habitat loss and usage is especially relevant to our study site near Jakle’s Lagoon, San Juan Island, WA; which is classified as an area of conservation and known to be a stopover site for migratory shorebirds. We studied the differences in abundance, behavior and habitat use between Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) and Least Sandpipers (Calidris minutilla). Focal behavioral observations were recorded every 20 seconds in 3 minute intervals. Abundance was taken through scanning and counting every 20 minutes. Our results indicate that Least Sandpipers and Western Sandpipers used and were distributed through the area slightly differently during foraging. Despite these differences, both species used our study area as a stopover site for mainly feeding, leading to our conclusion that Jakle’s Lagoon and its adjacent shorelines are important areas for migratory shorebirds despite the current level of human disturbance.