What tidal condition maximizes Whimbrel foraging success on coastal mudflats?
Answer
Low tide exposes the substrate for probing
For coastal observations, the state of the tide is the single most important factor dictating where Whimbrels will be actively feeding. These birds rely on their long bills to probe deeply into the substrate to access buried prey, which includes various invertebrates. This feeding strategy is only possible when the water has receded sufficiently. Therefore, low tide is the essential cue, as it exposes the vast expanses of mudflats and sandy beaches, providing maximum access to the rich, invertebrate-laden substrate left behind by the receding water. When the tide is high, the birds are pushed into less predictable roosting areas, often moving them out of prime viewing range.
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