Right now, migratory shorebirds are arriving on St. Martin from North America. Some will spend the winter here, while others will fly on to South America. Many of these birds have different plumage at different times of year. During the summer, they wear what is known as their breeding plumage, which is usually more distinctive. During the winter they will wear their basic plumage, which is typically more plain. As you can see by comparing these two photos, the spotted sandpiper isn’t even spotted most of the time it is on St. Martin. Most of these birds will molt (change their feathers) shortly after arriving here, and some may start even before they migrate, so the best time to see them in their breeding plumage is now. Head out to one of the salt ponds if you want to see them all dressed up.
