I was passing the Farm Gate at around 2:15 this afternoon …..Um, I thought, this seems to be the chosen hour of late,
Curlew Sandpiper on Tuesday,
Pectoral Sandpiper yesterday, Ian wasn’t there looking so I thought I’d grab the honours today………………..
I got my bins out and had a quick look….. Um, small waders scurrying about, better scope ‘em...
When I got my scope on them I could see a
Ringed Plover, 5
Dunlin and another wader, only ever so slightly bigger than the
Dunlin, a more upright stance and longer legs. When it moved into an area of good light I could make out a red colouring to the head and neck area ….. The Collin’s came out again and I decided on
Curlew Sandpiper and sent out a text. Gav replied saying he was on his way……….
That's when it started, having never seen a
Curlew Sandpiper before I became wracked with self-doubt, perhaps it’s a just another
Dunlin and I’m not looking properly? I always get really concerned about getting others to rush out for nothing if I’m wrong about the identification of a bird. Gav arrived presently and looked rather concerned when I said “ I’m not certain it is one”, but to my
immense relief he confirmed my ID....... Phew! |=)|
That's another lifer for me and another great spring record for The Axe, three good waders in three days.
I wonder what tomorrows wader will be??