Expect the unxpected...Well not that unexpected Really

Posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 6:18 PM - Post Comment

I wasn't expecting any birding today, especially since it was the last day of work and I was required home to pick up my daughter.

However, surprise number one can when I found our school finished at 2.30, not 3.15. Second surprise came as I was walking out of the door to my car. A call from Robin informed me of the presence of a White-rumped Sandpiper on North Scrape, Cley. I had actually missed a number of messages, so the call was particularly welcome. After a quick but careful drive down the coast and quick walk from the Beach car park, Robin was met, just as he was leaving. After a brief chat I entered the hide. The Sandpiper was at a reasonable distance, considering how large North Scrape is, feeding with Dunlin. Its elongated, slim shape was obvious next to the bulky Dunlin. It occasionally flew a short distance and preened well, showing its gleaming white rump. A san across the scrape quickly located an adult Curlew Sandpiper, in full summer plumage, feeding next to the adult Pectoral Sandpiper! Oh, and there were 5 Spoonbill present. It was good fun giving directions, as you were never too sure which bird people wanted to see! It was suggested be an eminent birder that the White-rumped was different to the recent Minsmere bird (and another suggestion was that the Pectoral was also different to last weeks one here!)