Farewell to the Waders, West Coast National Park.

 

Waking up at four o’clock in the morning and driving from Fish Hoek to the West Coast National Park is more than worth it, in my opinion. We arrived and were welcomed by a big flock of enthusiastic birders! Our leader for the morning was Mel Tripp.

We all gathered together and made our way to Geelbek Hide where we would be for most of the morning. On the way, we bumped into two Common Greenshanks, soon followed by a curious Common Ringed Plover. A Kittlitz’s Plover also made an appearance. Birders enjoyed productive viewing from the boardwalk, on their way to the hide.

We soon squeezed into the hide and opened our eyes to a beautiful view of the lagoon. While waiting for the water level to drop with the tide, we caught up with fellow birders, made new friends and passed down knowledge. We all knew that the tide was in no hurry and we waited patiently until the birds started to come closer.
Soon afterwards, we had loads of energetic waders just waiting to be identified. Common Whimbrels flew past, while Curlew Sandpipers prodded their long bills into the mud. Grey Plovers were also a common sight as they ran along pecking at whatever they could find.
Birders scan for waders from Geelbek Hide, with Mel Tripp (on the right) checking through his scope

Not long afterwards we spotted a Ruddy Turnstone which was too far to see properly with the naked eye, so most of us made use of a scope or pair of binoculars. At this point we had been in the hide for about two hours, but that didn’t stop any of us from staying longer. Everybody had a calm chat and watched waders fly past.

Then… the Lesser Yellowlegs made an appearance! Impossible to see with the naked eye, so scopes were a better option. Its yellow legs glowed in the flock of grey, non-breeding waders. Everybody in the hide waited in queues to catch a glimpse of the rare vagrant in the scope.
New member, Darren Caboz (in the foreground), enjoys his first sighting of a Lesser Yellowlegs, while Max Harvey and others try to get another view in the gap of some shade cloth.

I could not have imagined a better day and I also learnt so much. I am twelve and I only started birding at the age of eight, so I haven’t had much experience with waders. This trip has helped me a lot. I would like to thank Mel and everyone who joined us on this adventure!

Photographs by Penny Dichmont and Sasha Ella.

Report by Amy Johnson (12 years old).