Eastern curlew in flight

I spent an hour on the rising tide at Observation Point, Phillip Island last weekend. I always enjoy seeing that peculiar looking and exotic traveller, the Eastern curlew. On this occasion there were about 10 birds.

Another Eastern curlew joins the line-up along the shallows on the rising tide, 19 Jan 2013.

This bird joined its mates on the other side of the spit by foot (Eastern curlew with Caspian and Crested tern as well as Red-necked stint)

I had moved on from the curlew but without warning most were up and off! They offered excellent views as they circled closely.

Eastern curlew, Phillip Island, 19 Jan 2013

It is also nice to catch up with the local Hooded plover population. No birds were seen when walking past the fenced off nesting area near Silverleaves but these first two birds were seen 400m further east. I am wondering if this first photo featuring an unflagged bird represents successful nesting?

Another few hundred metres along the beach was a trio of banded and flagged birds.

Red-capped plover (centre) and Red-necked stint

Bar-tailed godwit were present in reasonable numbers

As the tide rose this group of birds (includes terns, godwits and a curlew) left the distant spit and repositioned much closer to my vantage point! At rear is the Silverwater Resort near San Remo on the mainland. 

Bar-tailed godwits over the Rhyll Inlet

Bar-tailed godwits, Black swan and a single Pied oystercatcher at rear

iPhone shot of the spit from my vantage point (you can just make out the birds as white specks)

Bird on!