Breeding takes place on the wet coastal tundra of northern Eurasia and North America. Because most Dunlin migrate along the seacoast, they are a rare spring migrant throughout Alberta. Most sightings have been from Beaverhill Lake. In the Calgary area, records are from Delacour, Irricana, Chestermere Lake, Langdon Reservoir and Frank Lake.
Spring migration dates extend from 10 April to 7 June. It is basically a late autumn migrant as most records are during the last half of October, although a date of 16 July has been reported. Possibly it is a report of an individual that never made it to the breeding grounds.
Formerly known as the Red-backed Sandpiper, this species feed on mudflats and shores of lakes and ponds. Occasionally, they are seen amongst Black-bellied Plovers in cultivated fields. They glean surface areas and probe mudflats for aquatic insects, worms and crustacea.
The nest is a grass and leaf-lined depression, well hidden on a hummock or dry knoll near a pond in low, moist sedge-tundra. Four eggs are the usual clutch size.
Talk about Dunlins on our moderated
message board. Get answers and share images. We are Alberta's largest and friendliest
online community of nature enthusiasts. Beginners and experts are
welcome. We are non-profit, non-commercial, ad free and spam free.
Where to find Dunlins in Alberta
This species does not occur in the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park area. However, anything can happen. So if you should happen to spot one, please let us know immediately using the form below and please call the Calgary Rare Bird Alert line at 403-237-8821. Brent Johner
Please Report the Dunlins You See in Alberta
Our readers are always interested in hearing about the wildlife you see in Alberta.
SHAUNEEN O'BRIEN
for serving as the TALK ABOUT WILDLIFE Administrator this year
BRENT JOHNER
for serving 9 consecutive years on the society's Board