Ready to Migrate?

When I was out at Mullens roost site the other day there were very few migratory waders left. Once the northern migration starts they seem to go very fast. However, down at the southern end of the roost there was a group of Red-capped Plovers (Charadrius ruficapillus). These little shorebirds are resident in Australia so can be found any time of the year. Even though they are quite common I enjoy photographing them because they always seem just as curious about me as I am about them. If I stand still they will usually come closer - and this makes for excellent photo opportunities. They were at the edge of the water and resting in among small salt marsh plants.
While I was photographing the whole group I saw that there was one that looked a little different color. Its head was tucked away under a wing so it was not easy to get a good photo. However, I waited and kept photographing and eventually it lifted its head and it was obvious it was a Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis) in partial breeding plumage. So where was the rest of the flock? They may have been somewhere else on the roost where I could not see them but this was the only Stint I could see. Had it missed its mates and missed its opportunity to migrate? I wish I could find this bird again but the roost site is huge and these birds are tiny. Today there have been intermittent but heavy showers of rain. I really need some fine weather again!
Red-necked Stint on the left of the photo.
For more bird photos go to the Bird Photography Weekly.