Thankfully the weather was kinder today, by which I mean dry, not comfortable. I went out to the Esplanade at low tide and left when it was half in. My binoculars are currently broken and I am awaiting some new Nikon Monarchs but it was a good day none the less. Some interesting species seen were the Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), a couple of dark morph Eastern Reef Egrets (Ardea sacra) and an Eastern Great Egret in full breeding plumage.

This was my first sighting of the Common Sandpiper at the Esplanade, or anywhere for that matter. A pretty good day considering the lack of proper glass! I also drew a couple of sketches. The Grey-tailed Tattler’s (Tringer brevipes) size always seems to surprise, leading me to double take when identifying them. I find a sketch is a good way to set yourself straight.

The pelicans were nice and close earlier so here is a sketch of a sleeping bird I made.

Don’t laugh, drawing from life is tricky. Particularly in the heat of the middle of the day during the Cairns wet season.