This summer, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) Shorebird Team had a notable sighting of a sanderling known as 4MC, originally banded in Ica, Peru, in 2018.
This marks the second time SCCF has observed 4MC on Sanibel, with the first sighting occurring in 2022.
4MC was likely using Sanibel as a critical stopover on its migration route from Arctic Canada to its wintering grounds in Peru.
Sanderlings undertake migrations that range from 1,800 to over 6,000 miles, making stopover sites like Sanibel essential for refueling and continuing their journey.
"Just like humans on a long road trip, migratory shorebirds need to stop once in a while to refuel their energy reserves," Audrey Albrecht, SCCF Shorebird Biologist, said. "We also have resident wintering sanderlings on Sanibel that stop their migration route once reaching our shores."
4MC was banded by the Paracas Shorebird Project, which has been tracking shorebirds at the Paracas National Reserve in Peru for eight years.
The project has banded thousands of shorebirds, including sanderlings, semipalmated sandpipers, and semipalmated plovers, which are also found in southwest Florida.
Sharing re-sighting data with the Paracas Shorebird Project provides valuable insights into the migration patterns of these banded birds, helping researchers understand their routes and habits better.
For more updates on local wildlife and conservation efforts, visit the SCCF website.
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