Little Stint @ Stockyard Point

So the very day after I went to Stockyard Point to look for the SIPO, a Little Stint was found amongst the over-wintering waders by Scott Baker and co. Another rarity had been hiding right in front of us!

This time there was a two-week wait for tide times to align with a weekend. But again there had been continued sightings so Leigh and I were hopeful as we set off to look for it. 

An increasingly familiar walk.

We arrived at the point as the tide was rising and the first waders were coming in to roost. Soon more birders joined us scanning for the Little Stint, which was, very conveniently, in breeding plumage.

Again there were plenty of Red-Necked Stints, Curlew Sandpipers, Double-banded and Red-capped Plovers, some Red Knots, a Terek Sandpiper and then finally... a little orange bird! The Little Stint! It was running around, head-down-tail-up apparently guarding a hole in the sand and furiously chasing other birds away, popping in and out of view. It seemed a little crazy, actually.

But then the whole flock flushed, settled on another part of the beach and decided it was sleep time.

Orange needle in a grey haystack.

Little Stint!

Peek a boo!

There wasn't much more action from the Little Stint, though the twitcherazzi remained poised, waiting for it to make a move.

Patient birders.

There was an occasional dash to a new sleeping spot, but head was promptly tucked under wing again.

On the move!

Still, lots of other birds to see and lots of phonescoping practice to be had.

Red-capped Plovers

Double-banded Plovers

Red Knot and Double-banded Plovers

Back to wading.

Eventually the tide dropped enough for the waders to decide it was time to get back to their wading and they all left pretty much as one. So did the birders, back up the beach.

Satisfied birders.

Leigh and I stopped for lifer pie à la R Bruce Richardson on the way home - hot jam donuts at the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Lookout - yay!