An early start was called for to attempt to see the Baird’s Sandpiper on Anglesey. This vagrant from North America had been found at Traeth Dulas on the east coast of Anglesey on the 4th September. With Alan away that day and snowed under with updating Birdline on the 5th it was the 6th before a chance to go and look for this rare wader came along.
The alarm went off at 5am and a quick cup of tea later he was out and heading west from Llandudno towards Anglesey. It was still very dark when he arrived at Traeth Dulas. Ever the optimist, where birds are concerned, he tried scanning the mudflats on the far side of the small river. Amazingly given the meagre light he spotted a small wader stood asleep by a clump of salt marsh vegetation. Could it be? No other waders could be seen in the pre-dawn gloom so the scope was left focussed on the small ball of feathers and he waited for the light. It was a lovely mild calm morning and flocks of Curlew were flying off from the estuary. These large waders flew inland calling their wonderful bubbling cries, very atmospheric. A single Whimbrel also flew with them adding its call to the dawn chorus. As the light slowly came the small wader could be seen in more detail and amazingly it was the Baird’s Sandpiper! This lovely delicately marked bird stood preening in the lee of the vegetation and showed nicely. Of course Alan was soon on his mobile phone updating Birdline and local birders with the good news that the rarity was still there. Looking back to the Baird’s Sandpiper it had gone! A frantic scan of the mudflats but no sign. Panic, having just the birding world the sandpiper was still here now it had gone! A stony area on the bank of the river held a small number of waders including five juvenile Curlew Sandpipers and a few Dunlin. Then a small head was seen peeping over a rock, could it be? Moving position Alan could see the bird clearly and yes it was the Baird’s Sandpiper and now closer. An adult Mediterranean Gull dropped in and preened in the river and a Kingfisher flashed past, a very good morning!