Hudsonian Godwit in Perth

A busy day, but great day! Bandicoot relocation in the morning, a text on the mobile saying the 'Hudsonian Godwit has been seen again at Lake Joondalup', a quick dash to Mandurah to drop off caught bandicoots (50 mins), trip back home (90 mins), grab scope and bite of lunch (10 mins), off to Lake Joondalup (45 mins) - target achieved, Hudsonian in scope!

Not my pic (from Wikipedia), but basically identical to the bird I saw, which unfortunately was too far for any decent photography or video. It did have a big red or orange tag on it's left leg, so according to the lastest info, it could have been banded in Chile.

I did get good views, especially when it raised it's wing while preening, to see it's distinct dark underwing of this species. Unfortunately I saw both dark underwings just before it flew rapidly, being chased with a flock of other waterbirds by a Swamp Harrier. That's the last I saw of it, but hopefully it will stay around, so most of Perth's other birders (including my wife) will get to enjoy this very rare American visitor.

For some more info on Wikipedia, see Hudsonian Godwit.


PS. A special thanks to John Graff, who texted and Robyn Pickering, who waited in the heat until I showed up.