Skittering in the Surf

Skitter~of small animals or children, to scurry,
(fr. older Skit, to jump or dart around, of Scand. origin)

These amazing birds are Sandpipers that are quite common on the beaches locally. We also saw them down in the Florida Keys in January of this year. They run along the edges of the surf, hoping for tender little morsels that their long beaks pluck from the sand and surf.
Anyone who has followed these little birds on the beach knows the meaning of the word Skitter. They always seem to run ahead or above and around any person walking on the beach. They run with rapid little legs, casting quick glances behind them as though you were a lion about ready to pounce.
I love to paint these birds and have several in the plans file for the future. We will put one in a painting for the USA class tomorrow.
This painting is 11 x 14 Oil on canvas.