WADERFEST. For all the time I have been birding Spoon-billed Sandpiper has been endangered, and this, in addition to its amazing bill, has made it a much-desired species in many birder's eyes. My recent trip to Thailand bought back memories of trips to Mai Po in Hong Kong, where I first saw the species, along with Ann. I can't remember quite how it happened, but I found myself with Mel, Heather and Jack on a self-organised trip to Hong Kong in 1991. In those days it was a popular venue as it had been discovered that huge numbers of waders, including several rare species, passed through Mai Po in spring. Although the hide, where most were seen on an incoming tide, was large, tour groups had to split to visit it, and there were instances of half the group seeing Spoonie (s) whilst the other half dipped! Great atmosphere for the remainder of the tour. There were permits involved in visiting Mai Po, but we had no problems as I remember. Asian Dowitcher was easily seen, Great Knot w...