Terek Sandpiper, Xenus cinereus

[KevinA]

I have searched for over 10 years to get a photograph of a Terek Sandpiper, Xenus cinereus and finally I've managed it.
From Wikipedia "The Terek sandpiper (Xenus cinereus) is a small migratory Palearctic wader species and is the only member of the genus Xenus. It is named after the Terek River which flows into the west of the Caspian Sea, as it was first observed around this area."
It breeds in the North but winters on the coasts of East Africa, Arabian Peninsular, Australia, and a lot of the Asian coastline. When seen it's usually single or very small groups amongst other waders.
The reason I've searched for it?
It completes my Alphabet of bird's names with the letter X

Terek Sandpiper, Xenus cinereus

Terek Sandpiper, Xenus cinereus

 

[JimFox]

X marks the spot!

Congrats on finishing that list. And it's a pretty cool looking bird to fill the list with. Where did you capture it at?

 

[KevinA]

X marks the spot!

Congrats on finishing that list. And it's a pretty cool looking bird to fill the list with. Where did you capture it at?

Thank you Jim. These were taken on the beach in the south of Zanzibar.

 

[AlanLichty]

Nice way to round out your collection. I like the detail and the light in the first image.

 

[Jameel Hyder]

Two nice poses. A pretty looking bird.

 

[Roger Bailey]

Nice Images Kevin, love the vantage point on these!

 

[Eric Gofreed]

I have searched for over 10 years to get a photograph of a Terek Sandpiper, Xenus cinereus and finally I've managed it.
From Wikipedia "The Terek sandpiper (Xenus cinereus) is a small migratory Palearctic wader species and is the only member of the genus Xenus. It is named after the Terek River which flows into the west of the Caspian Sea, as it was first observed around this area."
It breeds in the North but winters on the coasts of East Africa, Arabian Peninsular, Australia, and a lot of the Asian coastline. When seen it's usually single or very small groups amongst other waders.
The reason I've searched for it?
It completes my Alphabet of bird's names with the letter X

Terek Sandpiper, Xenus cinereus
View attachment 69370

Terek Sandpiper, Xenus cinereus
View attachment 69371

Stunning bird and photo, Kevin. That delightful bill reminds me of an avocet's bill. I had a good friend who found one at Port Mahon, Delaware, 40 years ago or so. Regrettably, before I could look through the spotting scope it flew. Other birders saw it the next day but I never did.

 

[KevinA]

Nice way to round out your collection. I like the detail and the light in the first image.

Thank you Alan

Two nice poses. A pretty looking bird.

Thank you Jameel

Nice Images Kevin, love the vantage point on these!

Thank you Roger

Stunning bird and photo, Kevin. That delightful bill reminds me of an avocet's bill. I had a good friend who found one at Port Mahon, Delaware, 40 years ago or so. Regrettably, before I could look through the spotting scope it flew. Other birders saw it the next day but I never did.

Thank you Eric. I've lost count of the number of times someone has said 'you should have been here yesterday'