Life at the Estuary

[stevehapp]

I had a great time this morning photographing the delightful birds at Stockton Sandspit which is in the estuary of the Hunter River, near Newcastle Australia.

1. Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia)- first time I have seen these birds.
They were feeding in the shallows swooshing their bills back and forth in the water.
The spatulate bill has vibration detectors which allows them to feed in murky water or at night.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z141/freddymania/birds/gal_6471.jpg

2. Red-capped Plover. - This native bird was chomping on a tiny crab. yum yum.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z141/freddymania/birds/gal_6496.jpg

3. Curlew Sandpiper - Calidris ferruginea - fresh in from Siberia.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z141/freddymania/birds/gal_6515.jpg

4. Red-capped Plover
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z141/freddymania/birds/gal_6544.jpg

It was great seeing some new birds today.
There will be heaps more birds coming in this month migrating from the northern tundras for a summer holiday in Australia.

Welcome to our sunny land! :D

[Ric Grupe]

Thanks for sharing your outing! :D

I think I like the crab muncher best.

[stevehapp]

Thanks ric. thanks for commenting :D

Yes, those red-capped plovers are beautiful little birds.

[Harryb]

Some good captures Steve :thumb , but watch out for your highlights.

[Giphsub]

I like the 2 plovers Steve :clap Cute birds indeed! Yeah, the highlights can be a bugger on white birds.

[Maestro]

The plovers are very nice. I love the angle. The spoonbills are quite nice but as has been pointed out, be careful with that white plumage in direct sunlight.

[NorthernFocus]

I vote for the plovers also. Nice images :thumb

[stevehapp]

thanks harry, mike, stephen and dan.

I will try and fix the highlights issue next time.
Thanks for the excellent advice.

:D