Eastern curlew

Is that not the longest bill you have seen on a bird?

Eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis)
"Eastern" to differentiate it from the European variety I guess

These Eastern curlew are not common in southern Australia but a few hang around the "world quality" bird sanctuary at Observation Point, Phillip Island. These migratory birds are more commonly seen here during the summer months (Dec - Feb). The protected area is really quite small and vulnerable so we are not keen to get close to these birds but I was treated to clear views from a distance on a warm, sunny Sunday last weekend.

This fellow conveniently arrives next to a
Pied oystercatcher giving an idea of size
(which helps distinguish from the Whimbrel).

It was followed by another ....

and another.

Observation Point (the sandy bit in foreground)
looking towards the cliffs of Rhyll

Sage advice regarding preservation
(a recently erected sign)