Trip to the Sunshine Coast

[Ben]

We took a family trip to the Sunshine Coast last week.

It was pleasant to have time off of work, and I was able to get some birding in too


The area is probably better to bird in the spring or fall, as shorebirds and other migrants would be more abundant. The area is good for Rock Sandpipers [which I still need] and Surfbird at the right times of year (but not during the summer ). The shorebirds I did get were: Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Black Oystercatcher, Spotted Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, and Black Turnstone.
Nevertheless, it was nice to see some species we don't often get in the valley.

Here are some photos that I took.

Black Oystercatcher:


Caspian Tern ebird.org/view/checklist/S92190649


Bonaparte's Gull


Next to a Mew Gull, you can see how small these birds are. Glaucous-winged are like giants when compared with Bonaparte's!


Long-billed Dowitchers feeding in the mud at Porpoise Bay ebird.org/view/checklist/S92194462


A House Wren at Smuggler's cove ebird.org/view/checklist/S92090415


And lastly, I thought I'd share this cute little duckling ebird.org/view/checklist/S91987272



After spending 7 days there, we got to 84 species, which is more than I'd expected
Thanks for looking.

[Randy]

Nice post! I remember seeing some Bonaparte's gulls a few years ago in the distance at Iona sitting on the water and I initially thought they were phalaropes due to the size.

Also when reading this I was thinking it will be hard to get used to calling Mew Gull "Short-billed Gull". I'm sure we will adapt quickly though!

[Chris]

Great pictures Jon, love that Oystercatcher one. Nice tally of species as well.