Short-billed dowitcher , Merimbula

[Alan Bond <>]

On Wed, 13 Nov we observed a large flock ( about 150 ) of what we think were short - billed dowichers flying in close formation - doing figure *s - up and down the 'lake ' at Merimbula in the late afternoon. We were able to get a good look at them as a group of 15/16 landed on a sand bar not far from us. We checked our bird books closely and deduced that they had to be short-billed dowitchers , from the markings , calls and behaviour. ( unfortunately we did not get a photo ).

I understand they are a  rare visitor to our shores and that they stay over the summer.

Any other sightings ?

Mary