Following on from Kym’s report, I went there today and just home again. This
Common Sandpiper has now been there since early October.
I again arrived at the pond from Isabella drive and walked along the southern side, towards the eastern end. Only took me a minute or two to see the Common Sandpiper. It was
in the same spot as before, on the other side of the mud flats just below the two white chairs. I was watching it until distracted by a splashing sound. A Black-tailed (Swamp) Wallaby had gone in great haste into the water at the eastern end. It bounded through
the water till it was too deep. It then continued swimming without attempting to turn around. I suspect it had no idea that it was in for such a long swim when it started. It eventually swam the entire length of the pond, staying very close to the wall all
the way, sometimes appeared to be leaning on the wall, or holding itself up. That is I suppose 200 metres or more. For most of the way I could only see the top of its head and ears. Two Pelicans, a swan, several ducks and coots showed a lot of curiosity. One
Pelican accompanied it the entire distance. It eventually climbed out at the end of the wall just below the Drakeford Drive bridge where it stood still in the long grass for about 15 minutes or more. I got bored of waiting. I went back and across the footbridge
on the eastern end. Then down to the water and sat on the chair. The Common Sandpiper presumably stayed there the whole time, just below the chairs with easy viewing for the 30 minutes or more I stayed. Much more than an hour in total. Feeding actively, only
stopping to stand on a stone for preening. It dips into the water catching things just below the surface or picking over stones & branches, but on the mud it feeds differently, often pulling at or turning over leaves to pick off things under the leaf.
Philip.
