Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii) - Photo made at Batenburg in the Liedense Waard
Greater Sand Plover | Charadrius leschenaultii

After a journey of nearly six weeks on Sunday morning I arrive back to Uden at 5.30 in the morning. A Greater Sand Plover has been present for a few days just 30 km away and today he is still there. It is a new specie for me so I cannot let him shoot.

Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii) - Photo made at Batenburg in the Liedense Waard
Greater Sand Plover | Charadrius leschenaultii

The past 6 weeks I spent at sea. A journey that began in Argentina in Ushuaia where we step aboard the Plancius. The journey takes us from Ushuaia to Antarctica and from there we set sail to South Georgia. Then the trip goes further to Gough Island, Tristan da Cunha, St Helena and Ascension. At Ascension we disembark and stay here five days before we fly back to the Netherlands. The photos will follow.

Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii) - Photo made at Batenburg in the Liedense Waard
Greater Sand Plover | Charadrius leschenaultii
Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii) - Photo made at Batenburg in the Liedense Waard
Greater Sand Plover | Charadrius leschenaultii

As said I’m back in Uden at 5.30 in the morning. After a short night's sleep I get up at 10 o’clock and see that again the Greater Sand Plover is reported. The bird is in Batenburg, which is only 30 km away. Around noon I get in the car and drive alone to the named place. The ride is mainly on the motorway and after about a half hour of driving I see a number of birders. The bird is evidently still there and quietly I grab my camera and walk the field. I add myself to the group birders and the Greater Sand Plover is about 75 meters away. The bird is at ease in search of food. She, it is a female, can be observed beautifully, and later of not too big a distant photographed. It is the first new species for me this year in the Netherlands.