Spotted Sandpiper ☼ Manzanita Creek, Lassen Volcanic National Park

Just about every time we walk by the spot where Manzanita Creek flows into Manzanita Lake, we see either an American Dipper or a Spotted Sandpiper. Today, we're focusing on the cute little Sandpiper we had the pleasure of watching during our latest visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park.

If you've never seen a Spotted Sandpiper, well, they do this funny butt bop that we like to call The Sandpiper Boogie.

I did a little digging around and the function of the teetering motion hasn't been determined. Apparently, chicks teeter nearly as soon as they hatch from the egg. Whatever the reason, I could watch this bird bee-bop around the creek all day long! This guy even did it while standing on one leg. Shake that rump!

Here's some video so you can get an idea of what the heck I'm talking about...

(You can find my footage of the dancing American Dipper HERE.)

Let's go birding!