It's Time to Say Goodbye

No, I'm not closing the blog! I'm referring to our soon to depart, migrant waders. I took the accompanying pix a few days ago at Pipeclay Lagoon and I had hoped to capture them in all their Summer finery. In fact most of the birds, they were mainly Red-necked Stint, showed only partial Summer plumage, mostly 'trademark' colour round their necks, as you can see (click on pix to enlarge). They were however, noticeably fatter--they'll increase body weight by about 60% or so-- enough to get them at least to Northern Australia-- before 'refuelling', on their way to Siberia. A few, mostly first year birds, will overwinter.