southend pier & railway

The sanderling is a small, energetic wader often seen scurrying along sandy shores and mudflats near Southend Pier. In winter, their pale grey upperparts and white underparts give them a ghostly appearance, while their breeding plumage is a rusty-brown color. 

Sanderlings feed on small invertebrates such as sand fleas and worms, darting quickly along the shoreline to catch their prey. These birds are highly migratory, traveling thousands of miles between their Arctic breeding grounds and wintering areas like the Thames Estuary. 

Their rapid, almost clockwork-like movements make them a joy to watch as they chase waves in search of food. Despite their small size, their pale coloration and lively behavior make them relatively easy to spot during winter visits to the pier.