Sandpipers & Plovers

Sandpiper

The Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia is the most common member of a large family of long-legged shorebirds.

They are commonly seen teetering about on beaches and salt marshes, although they may also be found in disused parking lots and other places. The breast is spotted only during the breeding season; in winter it is plain white.

Plovers are similar.


Muskrat

Ondatra zibethica

Size: to 14" (body)

Habitat: in and around water

Notes:
Muskrats sometimes build a water "house", like a beaver, although they don't build dams. Common anywhere there is suitable watery habitat.