24th September 2006 - Spotted Sandpiper at Lugar de Baixo

Occasionally Spotted sandpipers are observed in Madeira, usually brought by the western winds that cross the Atlantic. This is a juvenile/winter plumage Actitis macularia, distinguished from the Common sandpiper by its yellowish legs, pinkish bill with darker tip and by not weaving its tale. It was looking for food on the mud margins of Lugar de Baixo pond.