Baird's Sandpiper - Dale Airfield

Lisa and I decided on a pre-dinner bit of birding, and opted for Dale Airfield before the Gann, somewhere we haven't been for a few months.

Imagine our surprise when, less than 10 minutes into our walk, we discovered the Baird's Sandpiper seen by one lucky observer on 17th August but not since (see this post).  It was on the only wet part of the airfield with a single Ringed Plover.  We got some great views until the large herd of cows that are on the airfield decided to come through the very same spot.  The bird called several times in flight and soon returned to the wet area.  On our second look on the way back to the car it was still there, and we left Toby Phelps with it and he watched it until at least 20:00.

A quick look at the Gann on the way home: there were plenty of birds which were sadly systematically flushed by a couple and their two spaniels.  Highlight was a Ruff.

Showing the long primary projection

The classic oval shape to a Baird's when viewed head on