Red-capped Plover and Friends.

Red-capped Plover and Friends drop in during the May Wader Count

 Double-banded Plover (Charadrius bicinctus)

The Double-banded Plover has migrated from New Zealand to spend the Winter here in Australia.

 Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus)

It was very interesting to have a flock of about 90 waders come and land almost at my feet and to be able to watch their behavior. When they first landed they all crouched low down, and seeing that I was not a threat went about their business. 

Red-capped Plover & Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)

For more birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday.

Waders

 Wader Time Again

Not many waders around at this time of year. Winter is not a good time to count waders at Mullen's with low tides and cold water to walk through to get to the site. Still and all, 11 Species totaling 96 individual birds is not bad. With showers hanging around I was debating whether to take the camera or not; just as well I had a raincoat for it!

  Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)

 Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva)

 Double-banded Plover (Charadrius bicinctus)

For more birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday.

Whimbrel, Red-necked Stint , Double-banded Plover

Went down to Rainbow Beach for the opening of the Great Walk (Cooloola Section) which I will post soon. After the opening we went to Inskip Point to see what Shorebirds were still around. Walking through the track to the point we saw Scarlet Honeyeater, Rainbow Lorikeet, Little Wattlebird, Brown Honeyeater and others, but they were either uncooperative for decent photographs or it was too shady. On the beach were a couple of Whimbrel, Red-necked Stint and some very fat Double-banded Plover, and not much else.

Click on photos to enlarge

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)

Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)
Double-banded Plover (Charadrius bicinctus)

Straddie Birds and Boat

With less than ideal weather of late for Birdwatching or Photographing them it is time to go back over what photos I have that are on standby for times like this.

All these photos were taken while on Stradbroke Island in February this year. The Crested Tern were taken on Main Beach and the Double-banded Plover, Ruddy Turnstone and Red-necked Stint were taken on Flinders Beach which is sheltered from the strong wind.

Click on photos to enlarge

Crested Tern (Sterna bergii)

Double-banded Plover (Charadrius bicinctus)

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)

The photo of the Sailing Boat is to show you how rough it was. We measured 40km winds on Main Beach, not the best conditions for counting birds and very hard to take photos as well.

Glad I was on the beach and not out at sea.