On the Central Coast, N.S.W., Pelican Point is where I hope to see some shore-birds out on the rock shelf there, and I start my walk from Soldiers Beach. Low tide was scheduled for 11.30 a.m., and it was now almost 2p.m.
A part of this walk, and what I found along the way, I've already shared on my Snap Happy Online post the other day,
here.
The wooden stairway with stainless-steel posts and 'ropes' to the right of this photo is where I'm heading now. Where the green covered sand-hill shows near the middle of the horizon; in front of that is where you can make out the rock-shelf location, with white-capped waves nudging its end.
Nearer to the rock-shelf now, an eclectic mix of wonderful shells and other marine life beg my attention.
I'd meant to bring with me a little tri-leg folding seat with a carry-strap, so I could sit out on the shelf and steady my camera better. Of course I really thought more about it after I'd left home!
Some distance out there were 'little birds' , so colour-matched to their surrounds, it is only for the darting movements of some, that I have seen them at all. Not so familiar with shore-birds, I didn't know what they were, but clicked away with my camera to take some evidence home with me.
New addition 10/3: My birding friend Robyn P., local to the area, has advised me these are Red-necked Stints, (very similar to Sanderlings, but smaller, and that Sanderlings don't seem to gather in that location). Thanks Robyn for your update, much appreciated.
Birds in Backyards fact-sheet on these migratory waders is
here.
They'd obviously had their lunch much earlier when the tide was first down, and now were just settling back and taking it easy, sleeping it off in some instances.
There's some more birds out on the front side of the shelf where I can't venture because of the bigger expanses and depth of water, but I'll keep those photos for a follow-up post now shall I? I have to restrain myself and not post 'too much, too soon'.
26 comments:
A pleasant walk with lots of interest. I have enough trouble sorting out our shorebirds so I won't be able to help you out there.
In answer to your comment about the ivy I don't think there's any connection. But I read that the Ancient Celts regarded the plant as representing persistence and succcess - it wouldn't surprise me if one of those bright young students knew about that!
gorgeous shells - i love the birdies - they are almost camouflaged there in that setting. ( :
Great post! I would love to look at all those shells and enjoyed the birds. Beautiful beach scenery.
Una maravilla de imagenes..un abrazo desde Murcia...
That's a lot of shells! Did you take any home with you? Sweet little birdies, but no help on the I.D.
Hi Mona; no I didn't pick up any shells ... I just wanted to 'find' and 'take photos' :)
yup, i just wanted to start digging around in those shells, too. :)
Beautiful pictures Carole.
Beautiful area is where you live.
I think the birds are Sanderlings.
Oh I like the shell shot. I think I'd spend a while there sorting through them all.
Great place to wander with a camera! So much to see and enjoy. I look forward to the return of the shorebirds to the Great Lakes...but I fear that won't be for a while.
Walking on the beach and seashell hunting is fun. The birds are an added bonus! Beautiful shots, Carole.
Beautiful sea shores, and the Sanderlings, precious.
Great birds! They breed right across the Holarctic, not just in Siberia. Perhaps the populations wintering in Australia are of Siberian origin.
Great photos, Carole. NSW beaches are just stunning and there are so many of them that they are never crowded!
You did well to get so close to those waders, all of them being so twitchy and nervous. I've never seen Sanderlings before, as I think they avoid the muddier coastlines here in Moreton Bay. Nice spotting!
beautiful photos! The shells are lovely.
Oh - I would love to take a walk on the beach! Thanks for sharing your photos. :)
Gorgeous! I don't live close enough to the coast to see shorebirds. Nice shots of the sanderlings!
So schöne Aufnahmen, die Sehnsucht wecken. Der blaue Himmel, das Meer und die niedlichen Vögel, die dort mehr rumflitzen als fliegen.
Liebe Grüße
Waldameise
Great pics Carole, and how fun for you to see a new bird to you!!!! Lovely surroundings.
Jan
Good to see those Sanderlings down your way too Carole. One of those global species which comes our way too from the Arctic region. Great to see you local beach and I'm wondering if it's best for birds at high or low tides. Always an eye for the best birding opportunities me.
I also love the beach Carole and you have another great series with lots of nice scheplen (which I may like to find) and Sanderlings :-)
thanks for your comments everyone!
Phil you asked " I'm wondering if it's best for birds at high or low tides"
I chose to wait for low-tide to look for these birds. Not sure that rock-shelf would've been exposed for them to feed on otherwise.
We are all troubled with after thoughts Carole, but it didn't stop you getting some beautiful shots.
All the best Gordon.
You live in such a beautiful place, Carole. That beach is gorgeous, and what a find those shells are. Just those and my camera could keep me busy all day.
I hope you've had a wonderful weekend!
Thanks for taking us on your walk!!
Marvelous photos of this sunny place and gorgeous photos of the birds.
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