Is this a Greenshank?

pammosley · #1 (**permalink**) 26-10-2009, 09:24 AM

Hi folks, we spotted this at Martin Mere yesterday, is it a Greenshank?
Thanks for taking the time to look

RobSutton · #2 (**permalink**) 26-10-2009, 09:27 AM

No I don't think so - it might be a Ruff, small head and scaly back?

pammosley · #3 (**permalink**) 26-10-2009, 09:32 AM

Hi Rob, I had a Ruff Ided from there yesterday, here it is. This one wasnt with them, I think you may be right.

Ragtime · #4 (**permalink**) 26-10-2009, 11:56 AM

I think Greenshank would have a slightly longer beak, so Ruff for me.

Gill Catton · #5 (**permalink**) 26-10-2009, 12:40 PM

definately ruff

diggleken · #6 (**permalink**) 26-10-2009, 01:07 PM

Hi Pam,
just to add to the other posts, greenshank is a daintier bird, with greenish legs (as in greenshank!), and the bill is longer than your pic, with a slight uptilt.
Even daintier is Marsh sandpiper, but that really would be a tremendous spot!
In flight Greenshank has a strong white rump and tail like shanks do, whilst ruff doesnt show much white.
Bet you had a good day at the Mere, good time to go.

Hope this helps
Ken

Adam Cheeseman · #7 (**permalink**) 26-10-2009, 01:21 PM

Greenshank are also obviously larger than Ruff too.

Cheers,

Adam

ChrisJB · #8 (**permalink**) 26-10-2009, 02:43 PM

Ever since I was a kid, Martin Mere has always been a good place to see ruff, though strangely when I went last week I didn't see any.

Regards, Chris