Sanderlings Wading A Ventura Beach. - Calidris Alba. The Sanderling Is A Small Wading Bird. The Name Derives From Old English Sand-yrðling, `sand-ploughman`. The Genus Name Is From Ancient Greek Kalidris Or Skalidris, A Term Used By Aristotle For Some Grey-coloured Waterside Birds. The Specific Alba Is Latin For `white`. Photo