My Birding Blogs

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Wandering Tattler at Boat Harbour, Sydney

On 24 March 2007 I photographed a lone Tattler at Boat Harbour (above), Kurnell peninsula. It is presumably the same Wandering Tattler which was reported by Sydney local birders since a few months ago.
The bird is still in non-breeding plumage. Following are a few characteristics that suggest the bird is Wandering Tattler (Heteroscelus incanus).
The nasal groove extends more than half of the bill. This feature is often used to distinguish it from the closely related Grey-tailed Tattler (Heteroscelus brevipes). However, this feature is not always easy to observe in the field. The white eyebrow does not extend beyond the eye.










From the front view, the white eyebrows do not meet on forehead.
Wandering Tattler (L26-29cm) is larger than Ruddy Turnstone(L21-25.5cm) but from this picture both look almost the same size.

The call when alarmed was repetitive 'Ti Ti Ti Ti Ti...' (high frequecy, faster than you can imitate it)
Following are the links to the call (Source from Whatbird's site)

Grey-tailed Tattler http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/904/_/Gray-tailed_Tattler_Breeding_Male.aspx

Wandering Tatter: http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/515/_/Wandering_Tattler.aspx
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria intepres) is among the most colourful wader. A few of them has already gained chestnut orange plumage on its back.










Ruddy Turnstone in non-breeding plumage. Behind is a non-breeding Pacifc Golden Plover. There is also another Ruddy Turnstone hiding below.
In stunning breeding plumage - Ruddy Turnstone is tame and approachable by shorebird standard.