Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Friday 5 June 2015

Dunlin and Sanderling

I stopped off recently at Farmoor reservoir in Oxfordshire. I was in the area and a Black-throated Diver had been reported, so it seemed daft not to go and take a look. Unfortunately the reservoir was huge and the diver was asleep right in the middle of it. I got some good views through the scope, but   photos were an impossibility.
A lot closer on the banks of the reservoir, were a nice Dunlin and Sanderling, both in really lovely breeding plumage. I don't think I've seen a Sanderling in this plumage before.
They were both very confiding and gave me a great opportunity to get close. At close proximity you can really appreciate how small these birds are. No binoculars needed, and they are small.

Dunlin with the black front.





The Sanderling, which doesn't have a black front.





23 comments:

  1. NO I have never seen a Sanderling in breeding plumage. I thought they all left for their breeding grounds inout summer?

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  2. Pretty shots of both the Sanderling and Dunlin. Their breeding colors are pretty.

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  3. They are beautiful little shorebirds.

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  4. Beautiful captures! What a lovely bird encounter.

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  5. Lovely shots, Adam, I'd have never known the difference (without your info!).
    ~

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  6. Great shots - when I see Sanderling that are almost completely pale - would be nice to see some with a bit of colour.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne (airport)

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  7. Great shots..wonderful detail..Thanks for explaining the difference..

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  8. Beautiful pictures, I love these birds
    I wish you a beautiful Sunday.
    Best regards, Irma

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  9. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Well taken Adam.

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  10. Both are just gorgeous!!!! I always enjoy seeing your posts!!

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  11. That was a stroke of luck those waders being there unexpectedly. You didn't waste the opportunity Adam as it's a lovely set of pictures.

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  12. Very nice shots! The patterns in the feathers are very attractive.

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  13. Pretty birds. Lovely colours and feather patterns.

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  14. So great and maybe now I could tell the difference next time, so thanks for that. We see swoops of dunlins at our oregon lake. Really beautiful to watch as they move as if they were one body.

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  15. I love watching sea birds!
    Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/06/in-memoriam-ling.html

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  16. Stunning shots of the beautiful birds, I love the orange, white, black mottling of their feathers, so colorful. The black spot on the stomachs of the Dunlins really sets them off when they are flying, too. It is great seeing the comparison with the Sanderlings.

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  17. merci pour vos belles photos de cet oiseau au très beau plumage !

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  18. Love the various colors and detail on these birds. Your photography skills are outstanding.

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I enjoy reading your comments as much as I enjoy taking the pictures. Thank you for taking the time to comment on my post.