They were taken in mid July (23); so it could not have been a Whimbrel I think, unless 'ours' is one which is not a migratory Whimbrel but a resident one.
I had not seen any Whimbrel during the summer, so it would be strange if, when it would be a resident, it just appeared on this one day.
However, to me it looks as if it has too much of a blue-grey-ish tint to be a Whimbrel, but perhaps some other specie? To me it really looks "blueish in a way.
Also for you, 2 long Mute Swans which were begging me to come to the fore.
Hi Yoke, I don't in the slightest claim to have any clue on wader birds, but it looks to me to be a curlew - one of the few I know, that and Oyster catcher! hahaha
ReplyDeleteHi Yoke, I have to agree with Liz, it's Curlew, admittedly the head pattern could be a Whimbrel, but the size of the bird and the shape of the bill are distinctive, though it's never easy to split these two without a comparison species about. Whimbrel are about 2/3 the size of Curlew (nearer Godwit size), and the bill is "bent" at the tip rather than decurved, and much much shorter than a Curlew. The only real confusion with the bill is with a juv Curlew. Also although not guarenteed, in July Whimbrels are on their nests in Scotland and the Northern Isles.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys.
ReplyDeleteThat is great news; the Curlew is on the Red list here in Ireland and although see a Whimbrel here, which I have learned to ID from the Curlew by its brown stripe on top of the head.
Liz, I had no idea you were into waterbirds, lol.
they are a bit removed from where you live, aren't they?
Glad to be of service Yoke. Looking again, I'd say this is a Juvenile (non breeding) Curlew, so the confusion. If you get any closer photos e-mail me and I'll have a proper look. BR
ReplyDeleteAfraid these were all the photos I got of the little one, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming back to us and check it out, Border.
I agree that it looks like a curlew.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, welcome to UK Natural History Bloggers!
Thanks, Roger.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the welcome too.
PS: I lost the UK Natural History Banner along the line somewhere, on Birding on Wheels. must retrieve that somehow.
Sorry for such a late reply!
ReplyDeleteI've just never really had much interest in the waders for some reason. Some I know, and the Curlew being one of them from being young, the cottage we stayed in up in scotland was surrounded by farmers fields and close to the sea - at Dornoch. We often had Curlews and Oystercatchers in the garden/fields.
There's RSPB Old Moor closeby, around 10 miles away and they have waders there. Plus I think a few more reserves, just no inclination to visit really. Prefer woodland and parks personally.
never mind, Liz; you've had a busy time, what with your birthday plus 'bulbing' in the garden!
ReplyDelete