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The shore guide found the bird yesterday, but didn't know the bird. The bird was re-found this morning, but disappeared amongst the Bar-tailed Godwits roosting on the shell bank. Unfortunately three of us arrived just as it disappeared into the flock, but in three hours we were unable to find it. Both times, seen in front of the main hide.
The written noted description from yesterday was,
Heavy straight bill, pronounced white supercilium and dark cap. Size a little smaller than a male Bar-t G and appearing lighter in colour. Unlike the feeding method of the Godwits, it fed like a sewing machine. It was the bill size that first called attention to it followed by the distinctive feeding method.

Cheers, Grahame

Hi Grahame, where is this, please? I presume Miranda but good if the thread stands alone without needing search of other threads, especially when read in the future.
Thanks

My apologies Neil,

Yes the bird is at Miranda and being seen from the main hide. It was first seen on Thursday and notes taken. It was found again on Friday an hour before high tide. It roosted on the shell bank with the Godwits which made it difficult for the four of us to re-find it. Three of us arrived just after the finder lost sight of it as she called the Shorebird Centre to report it.

Good luck all, I cannot make it today,

Grahame

Dave Howes and I spent around 3 hours (1.5 either side of HT) looking today (Sat). No dowitcher but unfortunately the godwits spent the whole time roosting on the shellbanks with very few foraging out in front to properly scrutinize (so could easily still be out there). 1 stint, 1 curlew sand, 1 turnstone, 3 whimbrel, 7 PGPs also seen, as well as 3 rail seen by the carpark.

Russ

Similar story again today, tide and heat haze against us. Just over 5 hours, with no sign. I do believe that its still there, just needs better conditions.
Cheers, Grahame