Hawkesbury 191106 (55kms NW Sydney)

["Simon Blanchflower" <>]

Evan, Sharpies can be seen anywhere along the mud or in weeds in shallow water 
and often seen in many smaller groups throughout the lagoon. From memory in 
2002 I remember counting over 600 one day and these were widely dispersed. 
However today, a large group was seen in the far eastern corner (or about 11:00 
direction from the mound) feeding amoungst weeds and along the mud. The Ruff 
was frequently lost for brief periods due to the scattered weed along the 
lagoon edge in this area. The Wood Sandpipers were easy to see as they stuck to 
the edge along the mud (i.e. didn't go into the weed). I guess in this area 
there was somewhere in the region of 100+ Sharpies today. You really need to 
walk to this area taking care not to spook birds on the waters edge as it would 
be impossible to see the waders in this area from the mound.
cheers
Simon.