Stilt Sandpiper

Too nice an afternoon not to get out for a walk, so I made my way to Reifel. First up I checked the back of the house pond, but there were only a couple of yellowlegs. Next I headed out the middle trail to the outside fields. The Green Heron was present again in the southwest field, but not in great spot for photos.

I was then accompanied by another gentleman who was looking for some assistance in locating the Stilt Sandpiper that had been reported in the west field. We checked the entire west field and then made our way back to the house pond without success.

That was the end of his day and I then carried on to check some of the inside trails for songbirds. The only thing of interest I came across,

Squirrel
Squirrel

… was this squirrel working on a chestnut. On my way back I decided to give the back of the house pond one last look.

Stilt Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper

Good thing I did as there was now a Stilt Sandpiper present along with the yellowlegs and a few dowitchers.

Stilt Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper

In addition to foraging in the pond, it took time out for a little preening.

Stilt Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper

What a great end to what had been a fairly uneventful walk to this point.

Stilt Sandpiper

There was a good deal of excitement when I arrived to help out at Reifel this afternoon. A Curlew Sandpiper had been observed and photographed in the morning. Unfortunately we were unable to relocate this rare visitor  during the afternoon.

Stilt Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper

A nice consolation bird though,

Stilt Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper

… was this Stilt Sandpiper that provided great views and photo opportunities at the foot of the south dyke trail.

Stilt Sandpiper

I had to go out to Reifel today for a couple of things and decided I might as well go for a walk while I was there. It was fortunate I came prepared as a Stilt Sandpiper had been spotted in the west field. After taking care of my other business I made my way out there. On checking the groups of Dowitchers and Yellowlegs,

Stilt Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper

… it was not long before I found the Stilt Sandpiper. It was being quite cooperative coming in close to the dyke/trail.