In San Diego County the Dunlin (Calidris alpina) is found mostly on the tidal mudflats of San Diego, Mission Bay, and the Tijuana River Estuary. Though not rare, the Dunlin in its drab nonbreeding plumage can be overlooked among outnumbering flocks of various other shorebirds.

Dunlins arrive in San Diego in September, later than most shorebirds, as they molt before migrating south. From Alaska they spend the winter mainly along our coast, only a few visiting inland lakeshores.

Learn more about the Dunlin in the San Diego County Bird Atlas; check it out at your local library or purchase it from the Museum store.

PHOTO CREDIT: Dick Daniels, http://carolinabirds.org