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

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

Saturday 8 June 2019

Cemlyn Bay - Anglesey

A trip to Cemlyn Bay on the island of Anglesey was a first for me. I had often wanted to go here in the winter to see the Snow Buntings, but never actually got round to it. A visit in May was just as productive for me though.

I walked around the coastline and initially thought it was a little quiet but then I spotted a bird fly in off the sea and land on some rocks. It had the look of a Curlew but I knew this was much more like a Whimbrel. A quick check in the binoculars confirmed this. The shorter bill, less stocky appearance and the line (supercilium) over the eye. All characteristics of the Whimbrel.
Here is a link to the BTO's ID between Curlew and Whimbrel BTO ID
A good year tick to start the day, and my first decent flight shots of it. They would have been better had it not been so gloomy and raining.






 


This is a Curlew for comparison. Really quite similar to the Whimbrel.

I spotted a group of small waders further round the shore line. These were Dunlin and Turnstones mainly, but there was a larger bird in with them, and this turned out to be a Red Knot in fine summer plumage. I was really pleased to see it in this plumage and another year tick.





Really nice colouration.

Dunlin


16 comments:

  1. Hello, great variety of shorebirds. The Red Knot is a beautiful bird. Cute captures of the Dunlin. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend.

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  2. Great photos! Beautiful birds! I especially like the in-flight photos.

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  3. Shorebirds in breeding plumage almost seem like different species. We rarely see that where I live.

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  4. Gorgeous photos of the these shorebirds! I love most the ones with the Whimbrel in flight!

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  5. Beautiful photos! Lovely to see the shorebirds up close. Excellent in-flight captures.

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  6. What beautiful birds! Love the curved bill of the Curlew! We see Ibis here quite often and they have a curved bill. Makes it a little easier to ID them! Wonderful photos this week!

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  7. ...Adam, you captures some wonderful images of the shorebirds. The ones in flight are great!

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  8. Beautiful pictures of these birds.
    The Curlew is my favorite.
    Best regards, Irma

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  9. Today, I'd like to extend my many thanks for being a loyal participant at I'd Rather B Birdin'...much appreciated!!

    I especially enjoyed seeing your Dunlins in breeding colors!

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  10. great progression and a fav for me

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  11. Wow! Great shots of our 'feathered friends' ~ ^_^

    Happy Day to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  12. The red knot is a new one for me but what a delight.

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