NorthQLDBirder

After scanning flocks of wader for the last week searching for this bird I have finally found it — when I least expected it. So sit right down and read the tale. I went for a walk along the esplanade today after work even though it was high tide and I wasn’t expecting much to be about. I thought I might head down toward the mangroves and wait out the tide a little. Just before the final viewing deck on the esplanade I spotted this little Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva) loafing all by its lonesome on the shore.

This bird looked particularly golden in this light.

As I reached the viewing platform I noticed an enticing flock of waders. This, as it turned out, was to be the only sizeable roost present on the esplanade today.

As I approached the roost I stopped to make a quick scan of the species when I noticed a large long black bill swing around from one of the birds as it was preening itself. I lowered the binoculars for a second and as I raised them again I noticed all the birds were suddenly startled. Sure enough two careless folk were trotting down into the flock “to get a closer look”. As they noticed the wader scattering one of them turned to look at me about 50 metres away and I waved at them to get back. Rightfully embarrassed the lady grabbed her friend and they retreated to a more reasonable distance. The black bill was gone from where it was. Now, with a couple of hundred waders back in roost mode, heads buried in there wings, the hunt began again.

After about 15 minutes of staring at smallish looking Bar-Tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica), there it was again, spooked for a split second, turning its head to the side to give a perfect view. Naturally, I throw down my backpack and remove my camera from its plastic bag (it was overcast) and raise it towards the target. Out of the corner of my eye I notice imminent disaster. A rather large Scandinavian looking man thought he would go for a walk on the foreshore, but was clearly dissatisfied with the footpath. I raised the camera but the bird was looking away, so knowing I was in for a wait I yelled out to the man. Thankfully, the fella was kind about my request that he use the footpath until he passed the waders.

That was the last interference I had! I knelt on the grass for a good 20 minutes waiting for the right shot and the following are the best I could do!

The Asian Dowitcher (Limnodromus semipalmatus) is a new species for me and I am elated to have been able to photograph them, particularly in Cairns. The whole mess of an afternoon was worth it for this reward. Among all the knots, sandpipers and godwits another little surprise flew in for me too, this Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres). The first I’ve seen on the Esplanade since September.

All in all a good day!