The unique combination of color bands on this Spotted Sandpiper’s leg indicate his identity and allow researchers to track his whereabouts and behavior by observing him in the natural environment. This male (called “RS-OM” for red, silver, orange, mauve) was captured in 2022 as part of a research study investigating Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) parental and mating behavior. Later that summer, RS-OM raised a nest with 4 eggs, 2 of which successfully hatched! Male Spotted Sandpipers are vigilant fathers, incubating their eggs for ~3 weeks and defending their chicks for several weeks after hatching.

Photo by Joseph Yu, caption by Jessica Schaefer

Edited by Isabelle McDonald