In Washington State most of us think of shorebirds as species to look for during migration. Still, there are a few species we can find in winter.
This Black-bellied Plover, obviously no black belly in winter plumage, is one of the more common shorebirds that overwinter on our coast.
Black Oystercatcher is another species that spends the winter near here.
If you see a large flock of sandpipers here in winter it is nearly always Dunlin. This flock is at the Dune Peninsula Park in Tacoma, WA.
Let's enjoy our winter visitors and residents while we wait for spring migration.
Good birding!