I’m missing my monthly WeBS count back in Norfolk but Dan has got us involved in some Hunter Bird Observers Club surveys instead. Yesterday it was the turn for the Kooragang dykes – a monthly shorebird survey along the banks of the Hunter river. This involved going out on a boat, ably crewed by Louise and Cyrus, with Jane as recorder and me making up the numbers. We had a successful survey, adding several waders to our trip list including: Marsh & Curlew Sandpiper, Great Knot and Sooty Oystercatcher, with Terek Sandpiper and Grey-tailed Tattler added immediately after. But the undoubted highlight of the morning was Common Sandpiper – a Hunter Valley (HBOC) tick! Later, on a separate snipe survey, we added Glossy Ibis and Black-tailed Godwit.