Twenty-six years since I last saw a Buff-breasted Sandpiper and I've never photographed one, so I headed up to north Cornwall today. It was well worth the drive, which took little over an hour, as four juvenile birds showed beautifully. Done the Davidstow airfield way - strictly from the car. A bit of a trip down memory lane as my first ever was a juvenile, also on Davidstow airfield, on September 18th 1992. Next was a juvenile at Abberton reservoir, Essex on September 15th 1996 on a trip with Kev Rylands. Last ones - 2 juveniles on Prawle airfields on September 17th 2000 - found by Pat Mayer if my memory serves me correctly. I've not even tried for one since, which is a bit nuts as they're truly wonderful waders!
Three juveniles together. A fourth bird was watched on its own (single photo below) prior to seeing this trio which were with a group of c10 Ringed Plovers.
First bird seen on its own.
Ringed Plovers...
Matt. My Dad (navigator) delivered an aeroplane to Davidstow aerodrome in WW2. I think it may have been a Liberator. He remembered missing/sliding off the runway!
ReplyDeleteNo way! Don't think it's used much now if at all. The runways are in a terrible state! There's no wind sock there now that I could see. There always used to be when I visited it over 20 years ago. It's a fabulous spot for rare waders and all you have to do is drive slowly around, searching from the car and avoiding massive potholes at the same time. See you when you're back from your hols. Appreciate the Audouins Gull pics. Matt.
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