tiny little fish.. what are they?

[GonnaCatchABig1]

while "getting rid of some left over bait" i observed birds (i think they were a smaller gull species. the pointy winged things almost look like swallows, black n white coloring) flying over my head.. in non stop streams. with what looked like peanut bunker (about 2-3inches, silver with dark/black backs.) in their mouths. i mean just one after the other in both directions. i lost sight of them on their way to the fish.

any sightings from boats of these lil fish around the (nothern part of) south shore area? and if they aren't peanut bunker do you know what they are? and what would be effective with them around? i had my buddy pick me up some pogies,( i am fairly certain our shop has no peanut bunker) i will see how those work out tonight. but i would really like to know. as only in the past week has there been any signs of bait fish in the area. would really really like to get away from the clams and save some money..