Semi-palmated Sandpiper at Minsmere

Brian, Norman and I made a very early start and were in the South Hide at Minsmere by 7.45: unfortunately the Semi-P had flown ten minutes earlier! We enjoyed watching the more usual waders: Greenshank, Snipe, Spotted Redshank, Dunlin, Green Sandpipers (including a group of five that flew through) as well as yet another Great White Egret.

Another birder received a phone call to say his friend had found the SP from the East Hide, so we trotted round and were able to enjoy good 'scope views of this surprisingly distinctive little 'peep'. The last one I saw here was a cool 32 years ago, when it shared the pool with a Pectoral Sandpiper!

A bit distant for photography (as you can tell from the 'unzoomed' image) but still worth the effort to take a few 'record shots'. (Best image of the SP by Brian Tubby)

After coffee we moved up onto Dunwich Heath to look for Whinchats: no sign! We did manage to find a few distant (or flighty) Dartford Warblers.