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
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.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Beautiful birds! I especially like the in-flight photos.
ReplyDeleteShorebirds in breeding plumage almost seem like different species. We rarely see that where I live.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds of the coast!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos of the these shorebirds! I love most the ones with the Whimbrel in flight!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! Lovely to see the shorebirds up close. Excellent in-flight captures.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful birds.
ReplyDeleteWhat 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!
ReplyDelete...Adam, you captures some wonderful images of the shorebirds. The ones in flight are great!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of these birds.
ReplyDeleteThe Curlew is my favorite.
Best regards, Irma
Today, I'd like to extend my many thanks for being a loyal participant at I'd Rather B Birdin'...much appreciated!!
ReplyDeleteI especially enjoyed seeing your Dunlins in breeding colors!
great progression and a fav for me
ReplyDeleteThey really are amazing.
ReplyDeleteWow! Great shots of our 'feathered friends' ~ ^_^
ReplyDeleteHappy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
The red knot is a new one for me but what a delight.
ReplyDeleteLovely shots!
ReplyDelete