Shorebird migration in full swing — Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Pin-tailed Snipe, Swinhoe's Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit and others
Turnover among shorebirds in the fields and along the coast has intensified.
In the rice fields, Curlew Sandpipers in beautiful summer plumage were mixed in with a flock of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers. A Little Stint also in summer plumage has arrived, and nine Black-tailed Godwits have come in, adding to the activity.
Pin-tailed Snipe, Swinhoe's Snipe, and Common Snipe are staying on, including some long-term individuals.
Common Redshank, Common Greenshank, and Marsh Sandpiper are beginning to show noticeably contrasting summer plumage.
Along the coast, large numbers of Siberian Sand Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Grey-tailed Tattler, Ruddy Turnstone, Red-necked Stint, and Eurasian Whimbrel have been arriving.
A Curlew Sandpiper flushed red.
Foraging while moving through the grass.
A little winter plumage still remains.
I rushed over after hearing there was a Black-tailed Godwit, and as a bonus found a Little Stint in summer plumage. Beautiful too.
The paddy was flooded, so I couldn't get a view of the full body proportions….
9 Black-tailed Godwits arrived. Large shorebirds in summer plumage really have a different kind of presence.
This one is still very much in winter plumage.
A Pin-tailed Snipe on the paddy bund. Not particularly wary.
This is a Swinhoe's Snipe. It was feeding actively, bill caked in mud.
A Swinhoe's Snipe stretching. It was at some distance, but I could make out the tail feathers too.
Two Swinhoe's Snipe. They both showed their tail feathers at the same time.
Pin-tailed Snipe. Appears to be the same individual as on April 10, making it a two-week stay. Quite long for spring.
Common Redshank in breeding plumage.
Marsh Sandpiper also moving into beautiful breeding plumage.
Common Greenshank is also transitioning into breeding plumage.
Wood Sandpiper in breeding plumage.
Wood Sandpiper. This one retains a lot of winter plumage.
Pectoral Sandpiper has peaked, with good numbers turning up in rice paddies here and there.
Little Stint in various stages — breeding plumage, winter plumage, and everything in between.
Pacific Golden Plover ranging from full breeding plumage, as in the photo, to individuals still retaining much of their winter plumage.
A flock of Lesser Sand Plovers and Greater Sand Plovers.
Greater Sand Plover. The colouring looked pale to me. Beautiful chestnut.
Ruddy Turnstone came in from offshore.
Two Whimbrel foraging on the shore.