TOORBUL OUTING - 14/09/19

slightly blurry pic of Terek Sandpiper - left of centre [Grey tailed Tattlers to the right]

We were hoping to see the first returning migratory waders [and also to fulfil a survey for World Shorebird Day - https://worldshorebirdsday.wordpress.com/ ] at Toorbul. And we were reasonably successful.

The following waders were seen; Bar tailed Godwits, Far Eastern Curlews, Whimbrels, Greenshanks[3], Great Knot, Red Knot, Curlew Sandpipers, Grey tailed Tattlers and one Terek Sandpiper. 

an obvious Curlew Sandpiper with distinct bill exposed

Curlew Sandpipers as commonly seen - note remnant red breeding plumage on bellies

Red Knot [Bar tailed Godwits in foreground]

Great Knot - centre - Red Knot right of centre

one of the three Common Greenshank

Resident birds included Stilts, Pied Oystercatcher, Pelicans, Swans etc.

 Toorbul is an excellent location for resident birds as well and at an adjacent lagoon we had Red kneed and Black fronted Dotterels, a good flock of Sharp tailed Sandpipers, Stilts, White faced Herons and some busy Mangrove Gerygone.

juvenile Mangrove Gerygone - yellowish plumage circling eye

juv Mangrove Gerygone

juv Mangrove Gerygone

A quick visit to Bribie to search for a recently reported Freckled Duck proved fruitless however at the nearby marina a Ruddy Turnstone kept a single golden Plover company. A single Whimbrel was nearby.  

Ruddy Turnstone on Bribie

Also at Bribie Russ Lamb visited Buckley's Hole and had a few good birds there with water levels low; 2 Latham's Snipe, 2 Buff banded Rail, 2 Spotless Crakes, 2 Sharp tailed Sandpipers and a single Baillon's Crake. Be warned though a scope was needed to view these birds.  

Spotless Crake - recently taken at Parklakes Bli Bli