I spend a lot of time planning my photos, and usually spend even longer periods sitting waiting for a good photo opportunity. So today, when I literally stumbled on these Purple Sandpipers, I admit I can’t take any credit whatsoever, it would have been impossible not to get a half decent photo or two. 

Continuing with my convalescing I decided that some sea air would be good for me……. well, it wasn’t quite like that. The actual fact was dictated by a sunny day, I had read on The Devon Bird Web Site that Purple Sandpipers were on Maer Rocks on Exmouth sea front, as it happens, very close to where the Grey Phalarope and Sabines Gull were earlier in the autumn. So wanting to continue with my recovery and get some exercise, I packed up my stuff and went off to see if I I could find them.  When I got there, the tide was very low and the rocks were totally exposed and dry. I could see birds in the fast flow at the edge of the rocks and knowing that Common Scoter were a possibility as they have been seen close to the rocks recently as well.  I tentatively made my way over the rocks towards the fast flowing channel about 100 yards away. I was weaving along, stepping from rock to rock, hoping not to slip, a fall on my recent operation scars might not be too good for me. Then suddenly I stopped in my tracks because just a few feet away were two Purple Sandpipers. They took no notice of me whatsoever and continued to feed on the rocks and in the pool at my feet. Now, at this point I had one of those epiphony moments, thats  when I realise that you dont need to be in the Far East or somewhere similar to see real interesting wildlife. You just have to be content with your own surroundings and all it brings, get out and about and in my opinion, keep yourself to yourself. You rarely have good sightings in crowds!

After a few minutes I moved myself so that the sun was coming over my shoulder and the birds carried on as though they were totally oblivious to me. The camera was quickly pressed in to action and I discovered that my new 500 lens has limitations…… I was too close to focus and had to precariously manoeuvre  backwards.