Told apart from other Sandpipers by its small size and white shoulder, it also bobs its rear end a great deal more than the others. Rapid wing-beats and flight low over the water, typically curving out over the water and then sweeping in to land further along the shore and loud call - especially noticeable at night - also set it apart.
We have Common Sandpipers nesting along the shore of the lake in front of the Quinta and they regularly come into the garden to feed on the lawns. In the majority of Portugal it is only an over-wintering species, but there are some areas - like our garden! - where they're resident.
Joomla Gallery makes it better. Balbooa.com