Winter Peeps
While the influx of Snowy Owls this winter brings a majestic presence to our local beaches, something else caught my eye on a recent visit. Numerous small flocks of Sanderlings were darting in and out of the cycling waves, rooting around in the sand and shallows for small invertebrates to eat. This small shorebird, like the Snowy Owl, nests in the arctic tundra. In winter they leave and migrate to shores all around the world. Collectively referred to as “Peeps”, there are a great number of similarly shaped and colored shorebirds that will make NYC shores their home for at least some time every season. Though my fiancée already had an affinity for these amusing little creatures, I’ve only just begun to appreciate their diligent, fleet-footed antics.
