Pectoral Sandpiper staying on, Pin-tailed Snipe present, first Whiskered Tern of the season
The Pectoral Sandpiper first recorded on 15 April is now into its fifth day. It is spending its time among a flock of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers. Autumn juvenile records are the norm, so a spring adult is a rare find.
Several Pin-tailed Snipe are also staying at multiple sites. Spring records of Pin-tailed Snipe are very scarce, making these birds equally valuable. They are approachable and allow extended observation — great fun. ^^ Swinhoe's Snipe and Common Snipe are also present.
The season's first Whiskered Tern arrived, following a tractor as it puddled a field.
A precious spring record of Pectoral Sandpiper.
A Black-winged Kite appeared, sending a Pectoral Sandpiper (right) and a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper hiding in the grass.
I have recorded about four Pin-tailed Snipe so far this season.
Swinhoe's Snipe are turning up in rice paddies here and there.
Pin-tailed Snipe (right) and Swinhoe's Snipe. They lined up in the same pose for me. ^^
This one is a particularly wary Swinhoe's Snipe.
A Pin-tailed Snipe stretching its neck as a Eastern Spot-billed Duck appeared.
A Common Snipe was dozing on a distant paddy bund.
Sharp-tailed Sandpipers are increasing in number too.
A flock of 15 Pacific Golden Plovers. They've been coming to the coast and pastures as well.
Female Ryukyu Striated Heron. Active just before the breeding season.
First White-winged Tern of the season. It seems to have been here since the previous evening.
Opportunities to see Eastern Spot-billed Duck families in the rice paddies have been increasing.