Waders for ID, please

[Pete Collins]

I have just had a very enjoyable weekend bird watching in North Norfolk (I'll write a report on my blog later). I photographed these two waders at Titchwell Marsh, and would like some help with identifications please.

This is obviously a godwit, but black-tailed or bar-tailed (I can never tell them apart, unless I see the tails or the white patches on the black-tailed's wings).




And is this one a spotted redshank?

[Dae]

Well the top one I feel is a black-tailed godwit, the bottom one looks good for a spotted redshank to me. But I'm sure someone more brushed up on waders can tell you for sure.

[epops]

looks right to me too

[MagpieMick]

Look forward to your blog report, Pete as im having a long weekend this weekend at North Norfolk..........

Black-tailed Godwit and Spotted Redshank

Mick..

[Dae]

whoo! I'm chuffed for getting it right I must be learning something....

[Gill Catton]

Yes I agree too

black tailed are more bland in their colouring, bar-tailed are quite streaky in comparison in the winter

[RobinP]

Looks good for Spot Red, overall grey/white appearance, no white wingbar and black eyestripe.

[Pete Collins]

Thanks everyone for all the replies!

I was pretty sure about the Spotted Redshank, and thought the Godwit was probably a Black-tailed as I'd seen one a few minutes earlier (that one had kindly shown the white patches on its wings so I could tell what it was!).

I've now put a report of my weekend in Norfolk on my blog (click on the number next to 'Blog Entries:' at the top of this post), for anyone who's interested. Highlights were Woodcock, Water Rail, Snow Bunting and an escaped Sacred Ibis!

I'll put a rather blurred photo of the Water Rail on the 'Bird of the Day' thread. It popped up very close to me, and even more amazingly I actually had my camera in my hands and switched on at the time - really frustrating that I didn't get a better shot, as I'm unlikely to have such a close encounter with one again.

[John]

And that is the way to remember it. Black - Bland.

John

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

Yes I agree too

black tailed are more bland in their colouring, bar-tailed are quite streaky in comparison in the winter

[bgvi]

i think a black tailed godwit and a brilliant photo of a spotted redshank