Circumstances are still such that time out in the field is really limited these days. On seeing continued reports of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers in Boundary Bay, I knew I would have to take advantage of any small opportunities to get out. One such chance was on Friday, but no Sharp-tailed was to be found.
Another small window opened this afternoon and I was back out to Boundary Bay checking the beach west of 104 St. I spoke to a fellow birder who mentioned that one had been seen this morning in the company of a Pectoral Sandpiper. A glimmer of hope that started to fade after three passes along the beach and only locating two Pectorals.
I was heading back to the car on my fourth and final trip along the beach when,
… eureka! The Sharp-tailed Sandpiper had finally returned.
While I have managed a couple of record shots previously,
… I have been waiting a few years for a chance to photograph one along the beach.
This particular bird was being quite cooperative,
… allowing me to tag along while it foraged for food.
The Sharp-tailed Sandpiper is a rare Eurasian migrant.
The Boundary Bay area will usually have a couple of sightings each fall, usually juveniles like this one. There have been two birds being seen here over the last two weeks.
It took a brief time-out and rested on a hummock,
… then it was back to working the waterline looking for food again.
Needless to say I was delighted to finally have this chance with a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper.