Most of the world population of these lovely waders, over-winter in south eastern Australia.

The preferred habitat for these attractive sandpipers, is the grassy edges of shallow inland freshwater wetlands. But they can also be found in water treatment plants, flooded fields, mangroves, and along coastal tidal flats.

If Central Australia is in flood, these birds will deviate from their southward journey and stop to feed in the brackish waters of the inland lakes.

Affectionately referred to as "Sharpies", it is always exciting to see them each year.

In the Hunter Estuary, they are regularly found at Stockton Sandspit, in mixed flocks with Curlew Sandpipers and Godwits. This year there has been a large flock at Stockton Borehole Wetlands at Teralba, which has attracted many bird watchers.

The plumage of the Sharp-tailed Sandpipers consists of artistically patterned brown and black wings, and whitish breast and flanks, streaked, and speckled with black. They have a white eyebrow and a straight black bill and yellowish legs. The top of the head has a russet cap, especially in young or breeding birds. Males are fifteen percent larger than females.

These sandpipers often forage with other waders but can be found in large active flocks in shallow water. "Sharpies" feed on aquatic insects and their larvae, worms, molluscs, crustaceans and even seeds. The birds will wade through chest deep water as the tide is receding to reach a potentially suitable feeding site.

They probe through the mud and rapidly move across the feeding area, squabbling with each other and if disturbed or startled, instantly take off in a single flock.

When the sand or tidal mudflats are covered under water the birds seek high-tide roosts to rest. It can be as simple as crowded around the roots of a mangrove or within the cover of a fallen tree.

Hunter Bird Observer's Club: www.hboc.org.au

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