Made the 10 hour round trip to Maidens today, to see the continuing Western Sandpiper. Initially thought to be a winter plumaged Little Stint, it was later re identified, probably from photographs showing the toe webbing, bill length and certain plumage characteristics. After I initially found it in the inner harbour at low tide, it then went missing for an hour and a half before being found in the channel, adjacent to the rocks where it appears to have been roosting, giving decent views at times.
Didnt do much other birding, although, Ostercatcher, Eider, Common Tern, Rock Pipit and Ringed Plover were noted amongst others. Three Red Kite were seen earlier at New Galloway. I had taken the route via Dumfries and Loch Ken and can say that that general area is simply stunning. Scotland certainly doesnt start once you get past the central belt.
As it was only 30 odd miles from where I was ,thought I'd pop up for the Western Sandpiper at Maidens as I'd never seen one in this country,only in Mexico and California. Wasn't disappointed as the bird was showing well all the time I was there in the harbour.
