Shorebirds on Keurbooms

29 December 2022 - Plettenberg Bay; Day 7

The clear skies disappeared overnight and we woke to an overcast day with drizzle which persisted for the whole day. Red Knot had been reported on one of the Telegram Groups, so later in the afternoon, once the tide was out, I decided to see if I could connect with them.

I found the road that ran parallel to Goose Valley and drove to the dead end. I parked here and then walked the single track in light drizzle to the Keurbooms Estuary. 

There were mixed shorebirds on some of the exposed sand banks in the middle of the river and I certainly wished I had a canoe to be able to get closer. The biggest shorebird was Bar-tailed Godwit and there were a few about. These are all record images, as the distance was great and the light was crap.

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)

I walked up and down the beach checking all waders and found a small mixed group of Sanderling and Ringed Plover

Sanderling (Calidris alba) and Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)

One particular bird stood out and that was a Greater Sand Plover, note the lack of a white collar - even at this distance

Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii)

I was about to give up on finding the Knot's when finally 3 birds appeared on the far side of the sand bar that I had checked earlier - job done and I could head back to the car, get out of the rain and head back to the apartment for a coffee.

Red Knot (Calidris canutus)