Geoff's Gallery:   Common Sandpiper (1/4)

CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae

Actitis hypoleucos  

I have a theory about some birds. Only after you have looked far and wide, in and out, up and down and round and about, will they let you finally see them after countless fruitless hours of searching.

The particular species of recalcitrant bird varies from birder to birder (bogey bird) and it will even let others see it easily just to taunt you.

Once it is seen however, it can then start to turn up even when you are not searching for it.

I think around Brisbane the Common Sandpiper should be called the "Not-So-Common Sandpiper". Having finally had poor views of one in far Cape York, I have now had great views of one at a creek outflow near Osprey House, just North of Brisbane, at Dohles Rocks where I have been on many occasions in the past.