The global population of Sanderling is estimated 300,000. However, the population in East Asian Australasian Flyway is estimated only 22,000.

Sanderling in this flyway is known as a long-distance migrator, and winter in Australia and surrounding areas. Based on the data of National Wader Count, we estimate the number of autumn migrants in Japan is about 2,000.

Most of the migrating Sanderling is found on the Pacific coast of Chiba, Japan. In our area, Sanderlings are mainly found on sandy seashore of Toyotsu-Machiya beach in Tsu, Mie. More than 220 birds are regularly found in autumn. The figure is 1% of the estimated population in this flyway. Some of the Sanderlings winter in this area.