Pectoral sandpipers are an Arctic-breeding polygynous shorebird in which males compete intensely for access to females. This has led to some remarkable behavioral adaptations. Under the 24-h daylight of the Arctic summer, male pectoral sandpipers almost entirely forego sleep and perform aerial displays around the clock. Moreover, they visit many potential breeding sites and in doing so can travel across much of their Arctic breeding range within a single breeding season. I will present the results of two recent studies on this species. The first explores the physiology underlying the extreme physical performance of male pectoral sandpipers. We studied their oxygen carrying capacity, measured as the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, and found that it was exceptionally high and unparalleled among birds. The second examines breeding strategies of males. Pectoral sandpipers are largely nomadic and rarely return to their previous breeding site. However, a small proportion of birds are faithful to their breeding site and we examined the factors associated with this breeding site fidelity. The latter part of the talk will be about the diademed sandpiper plover. This enigmatic species breeds in the high Andes, but little is known about their whereabouts during the non-breeding season. We tracked the movements of these birds using satellite tags. Preliminary results suggest that they remain at high elevation throughout the year, and may endure the harsh winter conditions by associating with areas of geothermal activity.

The meet-up time for this walk is 0900hrs in The Dry Mill Lane Car Park. To get to this car park, drive to Bewdley in Worcestershire. Once there take the B4190 westwards. Whilst still in the outskirts of Bewdley turn right on to The Lakes Road. Then after perhaps 1/4 mile turn left into Dry Mill Lane. Follow Dry Mill Lane to the car park, about 3/4 mile. Species that can be seen at this site are Tree Pipit, Common Redstart, Wood Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher and Dipper.