Pectoral Sandpipers

[(Dr Richard Nowotny)]

Has there been anything unusual about Pectoral Sandpipers this past couple
of months?  I've seen a group of 5 at Fivebough Swamp (Leeton) and another
of 3 at a small wetland just north of Adelaide (near the saltworks office),
on both occasions with no sign of any Sharp-tails (which had obviously all
headed north).  I've also heard of a group of some 15 being seen here in
Victoria (? Werribee), also after the departure of the Sharpies.
Are numbers higher than usual?  Are Pectorals remaining later than usual?
Is any of this related to the unusually hot, dry summer in south-eastern
Australia?  Or is this the norm?
Any thoughts?
Richard Nowotny