Purple Sandpipers at Holland Haven

25th November 2021

It has been a few years now since I photographed a Purple Sandpiper so off to Holland Haven, but before that a detour to Jaywick to see if there any Snow Buntings around as there have been in previous years. Unfortunately no sign of any buntings, just a couple of Pied Wagtails.

Further along the beach towards Colne Point a trio of Sanderlings were doing what they do best, running in and out of the waves at the waters edge. Not quite as tame as usual but still coming within 10-15 yards.

There was also a solitary Grey Plover. This is one of my favourite waders which I don't get to photograph as much as I would like.

Now on to Holland Haven to search for the Purple Sandpipers. Apparently they had been seen just half an hour before we got there but had subsequently disappeared, so off for a walk along the sea wall. Here the only birds on show were a couple of Meadow Pipits.

Then by the time we had returned to The Haven the Purple Sandpipers had returned and the next hour was spent trying to get some photos. They are quite tricky as they can be quite mobile, move very fast and getting the light right is not always easy. 

However, what a brilliant way to spend an hour.