Conditions at the northern end of the Rock Sandpiper’s range in upper Cook Inlet, Alaska, latitude 61°N, are the coldest experienced by any shorebird species. The Pribilof Rock Sandpiper survives there all winter long. “Rock Sandpipers, as far as shorebirds go, are fairly nondescript. They are about the size of a robin, they weight 80 […]

“This is when shorebirds are supposed to be in Mexico and Panama.” Dan Ruthrauff, wildlife biologist with USGS Alaska Science Center, researches Pribilof Rock Sandpipers (C. p. ptilocnemis). These amazing birds are unique; unlike other migratory shorebirds in the North Pacific they do not fly south for the winter. Instead they overwinter at high latitudes […]

“Alaska is home to many many millions of breeding shorebirds during the summertime.” Dan Ruthrauff, wildlife biologist with USGS, Alaska Science Center, said “They are all Alaska’s birds but they are shared with the world.” Video: International Bird Ambassadors Animal ambassador shorebirds travel worldwide Shorebirds perform astounding feats. The bar-tailed godwit migrates for ten days […]