Uncommon in North Carolina, Purple Sandpipers are almost always found along rock jetties. This one (left) is with a Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), another bird commonly found on jetties.

Oregon Inlet, Dare Co., NC 11/4/05.

Oregon Inlet, Dare Co., NC 11/9/08.

Though not really purple, the Purple Sandpiper is still a distinctive, chunky shorebird, with yellowish-orange legs and a yellowish-orange bill that turns dark and decurves slightly near the tip.

Oregon Inlet, Dare Co., NC 11/4/05.

Oregon Inlet, Dare Co., NC 11/3/05.

Resting, but with a wary eye on the photographer.

Oregon Inlet, Dare Co., NC 11/3/05.

Flock of 12 resting on a buoy at Fort Macon, Carteret Co., NC, 3/12/03.