Spotted Sandpiper Stock Image

The spotted sandpiper (Actitus macularia) frequents inland lakes and streams in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere. This photo is of a male, protecting its nest by drawing potential robbers away from the clutch. Once the female lays her eggs in a shallow depression near a lake or stream, she abandons the nest, leaving the male to incubate the eggs while she seeks another mate. Female spotted sandpipers have been known to have as many as 4-5 mates, although 2-3 is the norm.