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There is a single adult Banded Stilt at Swan Bay,
which is on Port Stephens about 30 km north of Newcastle. Apparently the
bird has been there for some time.
Reports of Banded Stilt this close to Newcastle are
quite uncommon. The best chances to see it are at high tide, when it
roosts with the other waders at a samphire marsh set back from the water a short
distance. At low tides it could be just about anywhere around Port
Stephens. To get to the high tide roost, turn
east off the Pacific Highway a few km south of Karuah into the Swan Bay
Rd. The village of Swan Bay is at the end of this road, on the left.
On the right is a reserve, fronting onto the water. Pull up about 5
telegraph poles before the end of the road and enter the reserve. There is
a high tide wader roost further into this area, with many
waders.
Alan Stuart
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