I wrote: “That is I suppose 200 metres or more.” Using Google earth just
now, I came up with a better measurement, close to 320 metres.
From: Philip Veerman [
Sent: Saturday, 22 February, 2020 1:15 PM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] Common Sandpiper is still at Isabella pond today and one very wet wallaby.
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.
