We went camping the last couple of nights and we had to hastily change our plans after we heard a Spoon-billed Sandpiper was present near Sapporo.....
I'm not really much of a twitcher but felt we had to go and try for it. And luckily it hung around long enough for us to see it.
It didn't move for ages but then it started to feed.
Just when I got it in focus a Red-necked Stint photo-bombed it.
At least the top shot was OK..............
These shots are from earlier..............
It was with a small flock of Red-necked Stints. If you can't see its distinctive bill it looks very similar to the common stints.............especially when not feeding.
If you're not sure which one it is just look for the one most in focus.
If you don't see the bill it can be very tricky to find............
The Red-necked Stints were easier to photograph...........
We went back the next day but it had gone.................
Thanks to this gentleman for the info and directions.
Fabulous bird, Stu ! Nice to see it among the flotsam on the beach. And a "Top Twitch" for anyone !
ReplyDeleteThanks John..........
DeleteCongratulations on this truly amazing sighting, Stuart. Any photographs at all are welcomed, and the distinctive bill is so well illustrated in your pictures. Very few of the world's birders will ever get to see this species, so you must consider yourself very fortunate. Whatever rarity might show up here could not hold a candle to this one. And thank goodness you took the opportunity to go and see it considering it only hung around for a day.
ReplyDeleteIt was well worth changing our plans for............
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