While I have seen and photographed Sharp-tailed Sandpiper this fall in Boundary Bay, they have still been waiting for their first sighting at Reifel this year. That changed yesterday when one showed up in the southwest field, but I was unable to go out there. I got another heads up this morning,
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
… and this time I was able to make some time.
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
The Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was in the southwest field again and close enough to provide great viewing and photo opportunities. My timing was good as it was not long after these shots everything got flushed by a raptor and the Sharp-tailed did not return.
With some good birds being seen in Boundary Bay recently I headed out there this afternoon. I could not get out there until later than I would have liked. It was overcast and the tide was just starting to make its way in as I headed west along the tidal flats from 104 St. While the plover flock as active along the water line, I was surprised at the lack of shorebirds in closer to the dyke.
Pectoral Sandpiper
There was this lone Pectoral Sandpiper,
Baird’s Sandpiper
… and a Baird’s Sandpiper with an injured eye. On reaching the pilings the rising tide forced me up on to the dyke.
I decided to stick around a little longer as there were still lots of birds active along the beach. Just west of the pilings,
Fanklin’s Gull
… the Franklin’s Gull spotted the other day was present again. Continuing west a small group of mixed shorebirds landed close to the dyke. A quick scan of the group showed Pectoral Sandpiper, Baird’s Sandpiper (including the one with the injured eye),
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
… and the one I had been hoping to see, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. I signalled a few other patient birders further to the east so they could see the Sharp-tailed before it got too dark. Now I will just have to hope for another opportunity with this bird under better conditions.
