When Spoon-billed Sandpiper chicks hatch they need some time to dry under the adult but as soon as they are able they begin stumbling out of the nest and making brief feeding forays within a few meters. During this time they try to catch small insects. At first they are very clumsy but they quickly are able to feed themselves – they are never fed by the adult. Once all chicks have hatched and are ready they leave the nest for good. The adult male accompanies them - giving alarm calls to warn the chicks of danger and warming the chicks in their early days. Chukotka, Russia. July.
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