Purple Sandpipers at Holland Haven

5th February 2023

After a most successful morning with the Snow Buntings at The Naze, time to try and find some Purple Sandpipers at Holland Haven. Very quiet along the sea wall apart from a very mobile flock of 10 Curlews on the golf course. Here are a pair that broke away from the main flock.

Have you ever had that feeling that you were being watched? Well, as we walked along the sea wall scouring all the rocks for Purple Sandpipers, this Harbour Seal was curious what we were up to.

We eventually found three Purple Sandpipers feeding on the sea defences just north of the sluice. What we have found with Puple Sandpipers is that once they start feeding they are totally oblivious to your presence and will often run towards you. We started snapping this trio at a range of 20 yards and they eventually ended up just 4 yards away!!!

Enjoy.