Purple Sandpiper

I was down by the shore today in Skerries Co Dublin as it was such a fine day (seeing as we haven`t had many in Ireland this year so far) it would have been a shame not to get out birding. While there I had good but distant views of 3 Eiders (2 males and 1 female) as well as good but distant views of 3 Red-throated Divers. One of my favorite shore birds was on show and showing well, yes the Purple Sandpiper. They don`t seem to mind humans and you can get nice and close for a shot or two. The ones I was watching were so relaxed they had a bath in a rock pool in front of me, I also had nice views of Sanderling and Redshank. On the way back I stopped at Broadmeadows Estuary to have a look and see if there was anything around. Boy what a evening, great displays for 500+ Golden Plover and some nice views of Black-tailed Godwits. So here`s a shot or two.

 Redshank Sunning himself in the lovely spring sunshine.

 Sanderling sitting and snoozing while they wait for the tide to turn.

Black-tailed Godwit at Broadmeadows Estuary

Just a fraction of the amount of Golden Plovers at Broadmeadows.

Ruff ruff!!!

I remember it wasn`t that long ago I found my first Ruff and how pleased it made me, so seeing two together is always much more pleasing. They were a bit flighty so getting close was always going to be tricky but in the end I got close enough for a shot or two. Now all I have to see is a full summer plumage male ruff displaying and that will be the icing on the cake.

 You can make your make up your own caption, but I like to think it`s saying Aye!!! who left this cola bottle here!!.

Even more Waxwings

I had a MRI on my ankle today to see how bad the damage to my ankle is as I`m still limping around the place. Then on my way back from the clinic I came across 60 Waxwings feeding up on berries and quenching their thirst on the side of the road, so this was an opportunity not to be missed.