The Bird in your Backyard: The Common Sandpiper

  •   Sun, Aug 17 2014
  •   By Dr Anand & Geeta Pereira
August 17, 2014


We have for over two and a half decades mapped the birds of the Western Ghats. The idea is to create an awe inspiring record of wild life on earth, such that people can have the benefit of watching wildlife from the comforts of their smart phones and tabs. For the past many years, we have tried to enlighten people from all walks of life on the pressing need to protect the dwindling wildlife resources by posting actual on site wildlife pictures of birds and mammals of the Western Ghats in their respective habitat, accompanied by a simple article highlighting the ways and means as to how individuals can contribute to wildlife conservation. The archives in Daijiworld and Ecofriendly coffee.org are freely accessible to everyone and preserved for the benefit of future generations.


This practical approach is much more efficient than the school or college model of learning. It enriches the learning experiences of people cutting across all barriers. The idea stems from the fact that this type of approach focuses on student structured learning as opposed to teacher transmitted information. This is evident from the fact that we have been approached by children, youngsters, students, adults and senior citizens writing to us as to how they could contribute towards protecting or safeguarding wildlife. May be; this straightforward approach stimulates the power of inquiry of the young minds, searching for answers that will ultimately impact our present and future lifestyles.

We have posted pictures of yet another bird commonly observed in our backyard. The Common Sandpiper merits undivided attention for the simple reason that after all, such unique bird species deserves to live and prosper for all future generations to see.

To give you a clue, the common sandpiper is found in all concrete drains and ditches within the heart of the city; Kadri, Falnir, Bejai, Kankanady, Jeppu, Nantoor , and probably in every nook and corner of the city in drains which has either stagnant or flowing water. The bird is very easy to photograph and stands still when approached at close quarters. It appears to be the least specialized and scavenges food from food scraps thrown out by people.

We are unaware of the population statistics but are of the view that over the years there may be a serious decline, due to increased human development in coastal areas. We say this with confidence because, the primary habitat of the Common Sandpiper which includes all low-lying and wet land areas, all along the coast are coming up with mega housing projects and malls.

We are passionate about our work and are immensely grateful and truly value the support received from Daijiworld and other readers alike. 

Just for information...A group of sandpipers has many collective nouns, including a “Cluster”, “Contradiction”, “Fling", and “Hill” of Sandpipers.



Dr Anand & Geeta Pereira - Archives
By Dr Anand & Geeta Pereira
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Comment on this article

  • anita britto , Mangalore/Auckland

    Tue, Sep 02 2014

    Fantastic informative article and as expected the two of you never fail to inspire all of us with your dedication and passion to protect Nature and take small steps to conserve our Ecosystem. I love your George Carver Quote, Uncle Joe. Love going through your archives every time you send in an article. Somehow missed reading your Human - Elephant Conflict earlier which was so interesting.Thank you, so much for the time and effort you put in to enlighten us.

  • vincent dsa, Shankerpura,Muscat

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    Dear Dr Anand Pereira & Geetha Pereira .
    Thank you very much for the beautiful article. As you aware most of the birds those brought joy to our life are not to be seen and their voice cant be heard.We are planned to launch 3B awareness campaign "Bring Back Butterflies"to spread awareness to preserve the ecosystem.Kindly write about this ,why the butterflies(and the birds)are rare now and what could be done to bring them back to our nature.

  • Joe Britto, Nakre/Bangalore

    Sat, Aug 23 2014

    My Dear Dr Anand Pereira & Geetha Pereira .

    It's we who should be thanking you as with our very limited knowledge of nature , we are enlightened to know not just the names of these lovely birds , flora & fauna but also so many interesting facts about the way of natural life of these creatures of God. Your photographs alone are enough as they say a million words.
    Your vivid description and words are indeed golden and we all feel suddenly transformed and transported to the Malnads which I am so sadly afraid will be lost for the next generation and forever.

    Positively, however during our remaining short span we look look forward to many many more articles from you enlightened beings of God and also to your new Avatar as well.
    May your tribe increase !!!

  • Dr.Anand & Geeta Pereira, Sakleshpur/Kadri

    Tue, Aug 19 2014

    Dear Friends of Planet Earth, We appreciate your valuable time in sending us your constructive feed back. Eric, you have raised many valuable points. We very much liked your suggestions too. Deepa and Bhandarkar, we appreciate your humour and be rest assured you will shortly see a new picture of Anand and Geeta. Like many of the readers of Daiji World, Florine and Joe have always encouraged us to do more for wildlife.

    Thank you one and all.

  • Eric D'Cunha, Mangalore/ Kanha Tiger reserve, M.P.

    Tue, Aug 19 2014

    Dr.Anand and Geeta Pereira, I appreciate your efforts in spreading awareness by publishing articles related to nature and wildlife.Definitely this will send a message to the Daijiworld readers and will go a long way in garnering support for conservation. This present article which is on the Common Sandpiper, I would just like to add a couple of points. 1. The bird is seen in S.India only in winters as it breeds in the Himalayas and some parts of Pakistan and Uttarakand. 2. Some of the photographs posted are perhaps those of the Wood Sandpiper ( Tringa glareola). My suggestion to Daijiworld is that they should reserve some corner on the site for bird photographers of the region to post pictures of common birds seen around Mangalore( Coastal Karnataka). Many young birders from Mangalore have been posting brilliant pictures of birds on Facebook. This will encourage young birders of the region to popularize birdwatching which is a great hobby and can contribute in a big way to conserve our ecosystem.

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Tue, Aug 19 2014

    We always happen to know what's happening in the world, but not what's in our backyard!Thank you Dr Anand and Madam Geetha for enlightening us once again.
    Sir Joe: Your famous quote by G.W.
    Carver...By the way I am a 'craver' long time, to get the answer to this one!
    Madam Deepa Shaker: Your request to Dr Anand still has me shaking in laughter! And Yes!I am always
    in company of good spirits!
    Your request is indeed genuine. I had indeed the good fortune of meeting Dr.Anand and I tell you..he's an awe inspiring personality as is his graceful wife,Madam Geetha.

  • Deepa Shaker, Mangalore

    Tue, Aug 19 2014

    I salute your effort by uploading new creatures and trying to share your knowledge through your hobby that you have pursued all these years. I am regular reader. To our surprise, I think so since 2009 'A Walk Through the Wilderness' your photo is same, old one repeated every time. It is nice to see you all these years and can you your recent photo Sir ? Pls. take in good spirit.

  • florine roche, Mangalore

    Tue, Aug 19 2014

    people with passion like you can change the world. kudos for your efforts. Photographs are fantastic conveying more than what words can. Wel done.

  • Joe Britto, Nakre/Bangalore

    Mon, Aug 18 2014

    Thank you Dr Anand and Dr Geeta Pereira for the lovely pictures of the Sandpiper .
    Birds are indeed God's own creatures and HE has clothed them so well.

    " I wanted to know the name of every stone and flower and insect and bird and beast.
    I wanted to know where it got its color, where it got its life - but there was no one to tell me."

    Famous Quote by George Washington Carver


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