Calidris alba

Calidris alba is a small shorebird found on sandy beaches throughout North America at all times of the year. It runs swiftly with others of its kind around the shore, chasing the waves as they recede and retreating as they return. It feeds on small invertebrates it finds in the wet sand.

Though inconspicuous, the Sanderling is widespread and adorable.

I found this bird today at Canaveral National Seashore, north of the Kennedy Space Center. Almost always they run in packs, but this one was alone. In this shot I saw something that probably resonates with many people: a sort of hopeful helplessness, paling in size to the enormity of life's challenges, though still willing to face them.