“The prey taken by Wood Sandpipers (Tringa glareola) during migration is poorly recorded (Wells 1999). I had previously posted them taking Dragonfly larvae. I recently had an opportunity to watch at close range. The current account and video show feeding behaviour and some more prey taken.
“Wood Sandpipers are usually solitary when feeding/on migration. Predominately feeds on a mud flat or in shallow water.
“Generally probes and pecks for prey. May pick up aquatic vegetation while feeding (below) and often washes prey to remove other material and vegetation (above, composite of consecutive images).
“I observed numerous feeding episodes (very active feeding) but prey identification is difficult. I am certain of a mollusc (small snail, top) and a water larva or worm (second from top).
“Video of feeding behaviour here:”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
20th December 2016 & 2nd January 2017
Location: Malim Nawar, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Ex-mining pools, fish farming, wetlands