Perfect Pec Pics

Another rare wader made it to Anthorn in recent days and with excellent light extending into the late evening, I felt compelled to locate it and capture its image on digital film. The bird had moved, though, and was far from easy to pin down; by driving further west and scanning the mudflats, however, I spotted it amongst a handful of Redshank in the middle of the open sands. It was persistently flighty, unfortunately, and I soon gave up, choosing to return to the car. On the way back, I thought I'd scan the mudflats to my right one last time, closest to the river flow, and noticed a bird crouching low on the sands, quite unlike any Redshank I'd ever seen. It was a way off and I thought at first that it must be a Dunlin or a Golden Plover. (The golden light was deceptive.) The closer I got, though, the more it looked wrong for both these species and soon I realised that it might be the rarity I thought I'd seen fly off earlier. Suddenly, it stood up, awakening from its slumber, and any doubt evaporated: quite close to me now was the most gorgeous Pectoral Sandpiper in the most perfect of light.

I returned 4 days later and got even better shots - with the bird even closer and the sun setting behind me...