Sanderlings are delightful small waders that winter on sandy beaches, chasing waves for invertebrates. Their welfare depends on undisturbed sandy beach foraging habitat.
Sanderling welfare at UK sandy beaches is primarily threatened by disturbance from beach recreation. Unlike rocky shore waders, sanderlings on open beaches are highly visible and frequently disturbed by dogs running through flocks. Each disturbance event causes energy expenditure and prevents feeding during the short time windows when tidal conditions expose their invertebrate food. On popular beaches with continuous dog walking, sanderlings may be unable to feed efficiently throughout the tidal cycle. Maintaining dog-free zones on key wintering beaches provides welfare benefit.