when you see a sandpiper on a beach in Asia or Europe, it can be difficult to identify exactly what species of shorebird it is from a distance unless you have binoculars and know what traits to look for. but if it bobs up and down a lot then you can be pretty sure or if you approach it and it makes a call consisting of three notes as it flies away, then you know it was a common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos as the name suggests they are among the species you are more likely to meet on a walk on an uncrowded beach.