Wader for ID

[agrumpycow]

I'm struggling to put a name to this bird. Photos were taken yesterday at Calshot Marshes nature reserve on the Solent. Any suggestions gratefully received!

[thebeard]

not entirely sure but i think it could be a bar-tailed godwit

[agrumpycow]

Originally Posted by thebeard

not entirely sure but i think it could be a bar-tailed godwit

Thanks for the suggestion, I'm still not sure because the RSPB site says they are winter visitors and I took the pics yesterday?


p.s. and sorry for the poor photos - it was a long way out!

[Jonners]

I think I would probably favour Black-tailed Godwit

[snake]

I might be wrong but my guess would be a Whimbrel.

[faz]

just asked my wife to look at the pic she knows nothing about wild life at all her answer a kittewake lol lol mmmmmm ??? i think its a whimbrel as well

[Harold Smith]

As soon as I saw the photo I said Whimbrel. Whimbrel I am certain it is! It can't be a Godwit as the bill is curved downwards whereas a Godwit's bill is curved upwards. The plumage is also wrong. The summer plumage of a male Godwit is a distinct reddish/coppery colour, thought the plumage of the female is a bit paler; very different to the plumage of a summer visiting Whimbrel.


Harold.

[agrumpycow]

Thanks guys, I wouldn't have known where to start! Nice to have another 'first' to add to my list too