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Lesser Yellowlegs

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Subject: Lesser Yellowlegs
From: "Allan Benson" <>
Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2001 07:57:32 +1000
 
 
A Lesser Yellowlegs was obseved today (15th Sept) from 6.15 am -to 7.15 am on Ash Island in the Hunter River near Newcastle.
 
All the defining features were well observed in excellent light from a distance of 25-40 metres by four experienced observers (Alan Morris, Craig Arms. Robin and Allan Benson) using good quality scopes.
 
Defining featues included- A wader with yellow legs 30-40% taller than the accompanying  Marsh Sandpipers and 50%+ taller than the Sharp-tailed Sandpipers.  Distinguished from Marsh Sandpiper in breeding plumage by larger size, eye brow than didn't go past the eye, darker marbled pattern on back like Wood Snadpiper, wings projecting past tail and the distinctive rump pattern was observed. 
 
Instructions to see this bird.
 
Ash Island is off the Pacific highway at Hexham near Newcastle. The turn off is clearly marked (opposite McDonalds). Follow this road as far as you can until you hit the railway line (15-20 minutes). Turn left and follow the road about 300-400 metres to the 4th or 5th electricity pole turn off. This is the turn off  just past the tongue of mangroves that goes out into the pond. Scan the small islets about 100 metres out for waders. The bird was seen this morning in the inlet to the left. This pond is known locally as the Swan Pond.
 
Lesser Yellowlegs is a rare vagrant to Australia and a submission along with photos will be submitted to BARC. It is understood that if accepted this will  the first accepted record for NSW.
 
Good Luck
 
Allan  
 
Allan Benson
Niagara Park
43627189
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