BirdAnalyst
Species · California · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Spotted Sandpiper Population Trend in California

All statesShorebirds

Spotted Sandpiper in California has fallen sharply: down 50% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-50%Since 1970
105Routes In State
56Years

Notable Spotted Sandpiper Trends in California

long arc declinecomputed index

Spotted Sandpiper has fallen sharply in California: down 50% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Spotted Sandpiper Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Spotted Sandpiper in California is projected to rise about 109% by 2029 — from 0.14 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.29 (95% range 0.04–0.54). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±230.5%, with 20% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+109%Change by 2029
0.29Projected 2029 index
0.04–0.5495% range
±230.5%Backtest error
19682029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected index95% low95% high
20250.300.050.55
20260.300.050.55
20270.300.040.55
20280.290.040.55
20290.290.040.54

Spotted Sandpiper Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Spotted Sandpiper in California.
Whiskeytown920072002
Woodfords820241973
Horse Creek620191970
Imperial Dam519731973
Carrville419701970
Longvale420231972
Orleans420121972
Honeydew320171968
Dorris320191977
Iron Gate320191988
Goumaz320111997
Holmes220231968
Fish Rock220141975
Foster Park219771977
Lenwood219751975
Ravendale220021973
Shasta Lake220021977
Clear Lk Res220171975
Coyote220151973
Bodega Bay219881978
Yreka220031978
Bartle219951982
Chaos Crater220122003
Pescadero220122012
Hackamore220102000

Spotted Sandpiper Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonacoloradoconnecticutdelawaregeorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckymainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.