Six years ago, I saw my first Buff-breasted Sandpiper at the Outer Harbor. It was found by Jim Pawlicki, locally famous for finding a Brown Booby in a horrible wind and rain storm. The sandpiper he found was adorable - I mean, the sweetest, most beautiful little shorebird I had ever seen. It was love at first sight!
Since then, I've seen many others - but all at a considerable distance, mostly out in farm fields. I've been dying for another close look and today, lightning struck! First thing this morning, I checked the Outer Harbor as part of my routine - but nothing. I checked several other spots too and still nothing. Nada. I decided to go home, take a break, then go back out in the inclement weather, hoping for something to drop in.
But wouldn't you know, someone else, Josh K, went to the Outer Harbor shortly after me and watched a beautiful, little Buff-breasted Sandpiper fly in! Two words: NO WAY! I couldn't believe it! Why couldn't the little guy have dropped in a few minutes earlier and spared me the grief and angst of going home, then having to return in a panic hoping to catch him still there?!
Thankfully, there was no need to have panicked; he stayed and gave a terrific show. And as word spread of his appearance, many birders began to show up and for most, it was their life bird experience. An American Golden-Plover also came in and put the icing on the cake. What great views of both birds we all had - and what a good lesson for me: it's all in the luck of the timing!