Sanderlings are energetic wintering waders that chase waves on sandy beaches, depending on undisturbed shoreline foraging during their UK winter stay.
Sanderling welfare during their UK winter stay depends on undisturbed sandy shoreline foraging habitat. Beach recreation with dogs is the primary disturbance threat, causing repeated flushing from feeding sites. Repeatedly flushed birds expend energy unnecessarily on escape flights rather than foraging, reducing net energy balance during the winter period. High tide roosts are particularly vulnerable to disturbance. Beach management approaches that designate quiet zones during winter wader roost periods directly reduce welfare costs to individual birds.