A few weeks ago, I took some photos of a bird that I thought was a juvenile Oystercatcher. When I posted the pictures and location on eBird, a reviewer let me know that this is a Tattler, probably a Grey-tailed Tattler.

I was delighted to be corrected, and particularly so because this is the first time I’ve spotted a Tattler. These birds are uncommon in the south of Australia, particularly in winter.

The bird was wading in the shallows of the rocky plate that leads out into the ocean from Long Reef Headland. Every now and then, it probed the rocks below the water for food.

The lighting was harsh and the bird was far away, which made it difficult to get a good photo.

Common name: Tattler, probably a Grey-tailed Tattler
Scientific name: sp. Heteroscelus, probably Heteroscelus brevipes
Approximate length: 24-28 cm
Date spotted: 19 June 2024 (winter)
Location: Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, Collaroy, New South Wales, Australia: 33°44’19.7″S 151°18’42.0″E