Bird Watching Curaçao – HOME

Quinlan Cijntje is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable local young birdwatcher, who inspires many people from the island to observe and learn more about the very interesting nature the island has. He joined the Bird Watching Curaçao volunteer team in 2021. He now studies in the Netherlands but will always be on the lookout for birds (and other animals) everywhere he is. Now that he is on vacation on his island he will share some of his birding experiences on this website and our social media channels.

Discovering Curaçao’s Migrant Marvel: The Semipalmated Sandpiper!

In the vibrant world of avian migrations, the Semipalmated Sandpiper stands as a true marvel. As we explore the birding wonders of Curaçao, let’s take a closer look at this captivating shorebird and its extraordinary journey.

Migration Magic

Every year, these petite, sand-colored birds embark on an incredible journey that spans thousands of miles. Originating from their Arctic breeding grounds, Semipalmated Sandpipers make a remarkable trek to Curaçao, and other Caribbean destinations, as they escape the harsh Arctic winter. Curaçao’s shores provide a crucial pit stop, where they rest and refuel before continuing their southward journey.

Adaptations of a Survivor

What’s intriguing about Semipalmated Sandpipers is their name, which stems from their partially webbed toes. These semipalmations help them navigate the muddy flats, an adaptation for their foraging technique. They probe the wet sand with their sensitive bills, hunting for tiny invertebrates hidden beneath the surface.

Snapping the Semipalmated Sandpiper: A Photographer’s Feat

Photographing Semipalmated Sandpipers is a thrilling pursuit. Their elusive nature and rapid foraging keep photographers alert. Their small size demands patience, while capturing synchronized flight requires precision timing.

Curious Facts

• Semipalmated Sandpipers often form large, synchronized flocks during migration, creating mesmerizing patterns in the sky;
• Despite their tiny size, they boast impressive non-stop flight records, sometimes covering over 2,000 miles in one stretch;
• Remarkably, these birds have one of the fastest breeding cycles among shorebirds, completing nesting in as little as three weeks.
  

Celebrate Nature’s Wonders

As we marvel at the Semipalmated Sandpipers and their extraordinary trek, let’s honour Curaçao’s role as a vital waystation in this remarkable saga. The island’s diverse landscapes, from sun-soaked beaches to serene mudflats, serve as a crucial haven for these feathered wanderers.

Stay tuned for more insights and tales from the world of Curaçao’s birding, where every flap of a wing reveals nature’s intricate beauty. #BirdingCuraçao #SemipalmatedSandpiper #Nature‘sMarvels

Quinlan Cijntje