Knees Up Mother (Dotterel) Brown - Elsie and Doris Waters

The idea of yet another visit to Port Gregory was quickly seen to be well founded when arriving at the pools to find them 'awash' with small Waders. Not the Stints of a couple of days ago, but just as welcome

RED-CAPPED PLOVER

I think at this point we can let the pictures do most of the talking:-

While no accurate count was made, it would be safe to say there were in excess of 200 adults here,

and despite this being the winter months many were already vigorously displaying.

Juveniles were also well represented with at least 50 individuals.

Let's take a closer look at that wing action again. Time to move on, and back to the Pink Lagoon where again the luck seemed to be holding.

A long way off and shimmering in the pink bloom, at least some of the Avocets were in attendance today, but even with the 'scope no Stilts could be seen. The wait was short, as suddenly this small flock took to the air and landed within the Salt Pan, fortunately a little closer.  

Have just noticed after publishing that the full width of these wider shots cannot be seen. 'Right click' on image to see full shot.

With just binoculars, now c2 BANDED STILT could be seen (6th bird from each end at front)

endorsing the World Lifer status - YES! Having savoured that moment, there was more to come as a lone

RED-KNEED DOTTEREL flew in to join the throng. Middle distance at first, but slowly and surely it seemed to gain confidence

and closed to just a few metres.

That is when I had to temporally give up on it as these 4 Stint were suddenly right before me feeding on the mud. Each in a different state of plumage

added a degree of difficulty to deciding if more than one species was involved here.

Eventually RED-NECKED STINT was thought most likely though I did consult with those in UK (more knowledgeable than I) just to confirm.

By now the Dotterel was all but underfoot, and what a smart chap,

and pushing the luck even further decided on a little Manual Focus practise

on this flying DRAGONFLY.

It would have been foolhardy not to stop at the Pools on the return journey, where it was found most of the Waders were gone only to be replaced by these 2 fine looking

AUSTRALIAN SHELDUCK

Slight Return - James Marshall Hendrix

Even though the Banded Stilt had been seen yesterday, there was an element of uncertainty as to whether it should be added to the World List which brought back memories of 2 similar cases of let's say controversy concerning judging the quality of such an addition. The first centred on a Baltimore Oriole at Roch, South Wales in 1989 when, 'in company', I seem to remember it was me who re-located it? Paul Harris was alongside me and soon got onto this 'mega rarity' which we were in fact viewing as a reflection in someones kitchen window. The conversation on the way home revolved round the ethic of, had we not seen it in the flesh later in the day, would we count it - would you???? The second will be touched on later as it also concerns a matter of coincidence.Anyway, it was a good day to return to Hutt Lagoon in the hope of more birds.

There are 2 ways of reaching Port Gregory from Horrocks, one is along the metalled road via Northampton, alternatively a cross country, more direct dirt road. Choosing the latter yesterday, thinking there was more likelihood of wildlife, in so doing counted no fewer than 27 Red-capped Robins (including 3 full-blown males) on this 12Km stretch. Taking the same route this morning, I was in hot pursuit of photographs but only saw one male and 4 distant fems. You would understand the determination if you had ever seen a photo of a male, so good job the loner was on a barbed -wire fence not 10 feet from the car.

RED-CAPPED ROBIN,

what a bird

and what a poser? No sooner had I taken up station at the Salt Pans, and before seeing anything else, this

female RED-CAPPED ROBIN

almost landed on the wing-mirror. A charming little thing in its own right,

this second bird was captured later in the day.

HOARY-HEADED GREBE

along with GREY TEAL and

RICHARD'S PIPIT were added to the rapidly increasing new list. Sat there quietly watching, a nearby movement caught my eye and looking down saw this

AUSTRALIAN (Spotted) CRAKE at very close quarters.

Repositioning to get a shot was difficult, and a couple of times it retreated to the undergrowth but eventually grew bolder remaining on view for ages.

Whether this species should already be on my World List was the other point of conjecture arising during the 2007 trip to Aus.

On that occasion I found a pond holding a number of Chestnut Teal, a 'lifer' at the time, affording good views and a good photo opportunity. 

Editing the images that evening, there in one of the shots was an Australian Crake which had been overlooked. I never did count it but today that issue was redressed - TICK! An excellent day already, it may sound churlish to moan about the absence of Waders and Stilts but none were showing today. Time for lunch, which as yesterday was taken at the seafront, and just to sit there watching the rollers of the Indian Ocean crashing over the exposed reef gave a great feeling of well being.

Yes, it's PACIFIC GULL time again

as the temptation is too great not to click away at such a mighty bird.

PIED OYSTERCATCHER were also showing well, so why not? Click, Click!

Returning to the Pans, things appeared unchanged except for a few tiny birds foraging in the vegitation.

At first glance it seemed they were a Plover of sorts, but when one took flight and landed in a bush it became clear they were not.

Again the Mighty Midget was brought into play allowing identification of WHITE-FRONTED CHAT which had been added to the World List only a few days ago. This area was proving very fruitful and with every chance of catching up with the afore mentioned it has already been decided on another return tomorrow.