1500 hrs and back at Fly Flatts in good moving conditions with a moderate SW>5 at 24 m.p.h. with heavy horizontal drizzle followed by rain and fog at the end of the watch.
A scan around the south shore to start off with, though with the water so low several of the pools have high banks so lots of hidden areas. With nothing showing I walked half way along the south banking and stopped to scan the shoreline when a Sanderling flew straight through my line of vision low over the water. I knew that if I grabbed the camera I,d lose it so I kept it in the bins in the hope it would turn and relocate somewhere around the water.
As it flew over the west bank it lifted high but turned slightly as if it was coming back but then continued to climb as I watched it getting fainter and fainter before finally disappearing >W towards Gorple. I did,nt know if it just flew over low or came up from one of the ponds on the south shore but either way it was one that got away. With heavy banks of drizzle coming over from the west it may have come down around Gorple or water nearby if anyone is over that way tomorrow. Thats my 4th Sanderling at Fly Flatts this year.
On then to my west bank watch point giving the north and east banking a good scanning with the scope which only produced 4 Teal and the usual Tufted, Mallard and a few remaining Canadas with no waders or gulls present.
By this time the drizzle had turned to rain and the fog was creeping across from the west already blanking out the moor so after another good check of the south end I headed back to the ranch.
BS