I had hoped to be telling you all about a fantastic day's birding in the remoter parts of Aberdeenshire, but as you know, the best laid schemes and all that. Yesterday morning, the missus wasn't feeling too bright, but I set off for Strathbeg anyway. My conscience was troubling me a bit, but I was rather keen to see the Green Sandpiper there. When I arrived at the visitor centre, a Marsh Harrier was cruising over the red beds, but soon disappeared. The gulls and terns were making a right racket as usual, but I ignored them and started scanning the pools for waders. Lots of Lapwings and Curlews, but nothing small and dainty. Then by pure chance, when I was checking a distant narrow strip of water, a sandpiper came into view. It kept disappearing behind grass and reeds, and reappearing for a second at a time. Not a Green Sand though, too pale and look at that monster supercillium. Even at long range it was striking. Then a second bird joined it, another of the same. Two blokes came in to the centre and started walking about, having a coffee from the machine, and not really looking at anything. Every time they moved, the floor went boing boing (if you've been there you'll know what I mean) and I had a hard time keeping the birds in view. Then it hit me. Not Green Sands, but Wood Sandpipers. The two blokes thumped out of the centre, and one sandpiper flew off towards the loch. There was no more sign of the other one. I had a sneaky look in the field guide and confirmed my ID, cos I've only ever seen one before. Then I had a look in the log book, and lo and behold, one had been seen the previous day. I thought I'd better phone home. Herself was not at all well, I abandoned the birding, drove home and took her into hospital. The doctor had arranged it. Now I'm glad to say she is recovering well and might be home in a couple of days.
I see I've been concentrating on this thread recently and ignoring my own web site diary and photos. Shame. I must redress the balance. The rest of you can take over here.
PS. Two Wood Sands reported at Strathbeg again today.