Congo - NSW South Coast

Hi Paul,

I dont mind people disagreeing, in fact
I prefer feedback or comments on sightings Im not 100% sure on.
I believe im not very good at identifying
waders yet but spent a lot of time trying to identify these birds, although
I had no field guides with me at the time.

I had both Red-cap Plovers and Sanderlings
in the same bin view while they were at rest so I could see the slight
size difference. At one point I had Redcap, Sanderling and Turnstone together
resting on the beach.
When low tide arrived the Sanderling
fed continuously in the surf. Sticking together and running in and out
as the small waves broke trying not to get too wet. They fed for ages like
this moving slowly along the beach where the creek emptied into the ocean.
They then seemed to spend a little time feeding on the nearby exposed rocks
along with Red-cap Plovers. Mostly resting but sometimes feeding before
working the nearby sand again always on the waters edge.
The colour was very white overall but
obvious greyish upper body and distinctive greyish wedge down crown when
seen head on. Almost a white neck too.
I understand from the Eurobodalla NHS
annual reports i have at home that Sanderling arent that common but these
birds didnt quite look like stints (only other option i can think of).
I think Red-necked Stints are more brownish above rather than grey.
Please correct me if i am wrong and
please suggest alternative species??

And the possible Turnstone spent hardly
any time on rocks as its supposed to. It was resting on the beach, although
it was high tide and there werent many rocks exposed. When low tide arrived
I couldnt find it again, but possibly saw it flying about further out on
the rocks, where all the godwits had flown as well.

Cheers
Marnix

"Paul Mahoney" <>

22/11/2005 11:28 AM

To
cc
Subject	RE: [canberrabirds] Congo - NSW South Coast
Classification

Marnix,

Much as I hate to disagree with a person's identification
when I have not
seen the bird myself, there are some aspects of your identification of
Sanderling with which I am uncomfortable.

I was watching a small group of Sanderling in a flock
of Ringed Plovers
yesterday.  Because Sanderling are very pale (almost white) at this
time of
year, they look smaller than their measurements suggest.  Despite
being a
little larger than Ringed Plovers on measurements, the Sanderlings looked
of
a size with the smaller, darker bird in the field.  Additionally,
it would
be unusual to find Sanderlings associated with rocks - they are generally
a
bird of the beach and forage running in and out with the waves.

For your consideration.

Paul


>From: 
>To: 
>CC: 
>Subject: [canberrabirds] Congo - NSW South Coast
>Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 10:35:28 +1100
>
>I spent Saturday on the south coast of NSW at a little place called
Congo
>(near Moruya). Highlights were 3 Sanderling and what I think may be
a
>Ruddy Turnstone (maybe an immature or non-breeding bird after checking
my
>guides. Other possibility is a dirty Red Knot?). The bird at high tide
>tried to sit among the resting godwits but wasnt allowed, so it eventually
>sat close to the sanderling and plovers further up the beach.
>
>Also present on the beach were the usual Sooty and Pied Oystercatchers
(4
>each), plus 24 Bar-tailed Godwits.
>
>The Sanderling (identified by size, colour and behaviour) were sitting
>quietly in the sand during high tide among the 8 or so Red-capped Plovers.
>The Sanderling were slightly larger then the plovers (Red-necked Stints
>are slightly smaller) and were generally greyish above and white below
>with dark legs and a dark short bill. As the tide receded the Sanderling
>and plovers foraged on the exposed rocks as well as the usual sand.
>
>No sign of any Little Terns yet and the usual shoerbird breeding area
had
>no fencing this year!? People were walking through it and kite surfers
>were laying there gear there. Can anyone tell me why the fencing wasnt
up
>or dont Little Terns or any other threatened birds breed at Congo anymore,
>just Red-capped Plovers?
>
>On the way home outside Broulee I saw a Square-tailed Kite fly over
the
>road while driving. Im about 90% sure as the squarish, almost forked,
tail
>was distinctive, despite getting only a brief look.
>And at the Batemans Bay marina there was at least 1 Tree Martin among
the
>swallows. Eastern Curlew were seen at Batemans Bay and Moruya Heads.
>
>I stopped briefly on the drive in at a picnic spot along the Deua River
>(close to Deua National Park) where I heard Cicadabird, Eastern Whipbird
>and Olive-backed Oriole.
>
>Cheers
>
>Marnix Zwankhuizen
>Ngunnawal  ACT
>
>
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IMPORTANT:
This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone on (02) 6271 4777 and delete all copies of this transmission together with any attachments.