Sandpiper Curlew 855 St Mary's 2008
Mid-August is a great time for photographing waders [shorebirds]. Not only are there still some adults in summer plumages but the fresh-clad juveniles, which tend to be less wary, are also present. Just find the patch of seaweed they are feeding on and sit down a couple of hours before high tide. Get as low as possible, ignore all the insect bites you are getting and allow the water to push the birds close to you.
Using this strategy in Nova Scotia I once ended up with a small group of Least Sandpipers roosting on my out-stretched legs!
Curlew Sandpipers tend to come in 'big-years' with either none or lots. 2020 looks like being a BIG year with several spanking juveniles in different places in Northumberland. This was one of two at St Mary's Isle.
Most birders spend early autumn trying to turn funny Dunlin into Curlew Sands but once you see one you wonder "Why was I bothering" as the real thing is pretty obvious.
Sandpiper Curlew 855 St Mary's 2008
Mid-August is a great time for photographing waders [shorebirds]. Not only are there still some adults in summer plumages but the fresh-clad juveniles, which tend to be less wary, are also present. Just find the patch of seaweed they are feeding on and sit down a couple of hours before high tide. Get as low as possible, ignore all the insect bites you are getting and allow the water to push the birds close to you.
Using this strategy in Nova Scotia I once ended up with a small group of Least Sandpipers roosting on my out-stretched legs!
Curlew Sandpipers tend to come in 'big-years' with either none or lots. 2020 looks like being a BIG year with several spanking juveniles in different places in Northumberland. This was one of two at St Mary's Isle.
Most birders spend early autumn trying to turn funny Dunlin into Curlew Sands but once you see one you wonder "Why was I bothering" as the real thing is pretty obvious.