Wader for ID

[galanthophile]

I wondered if this might be a Sanderling, Little Stint or something else? I saw it at Newton Point, Northumberland today on the rocks. Thanks[

[htcdude]

I'm rubbish with waders, but I'll say Common Sandpiper

Nige

[Ferret]

That is a Juvinile Dunlin Calidris alpina

Ferret

[Shrike]

Green sandpiper i reckon

[Johnny81]

Some black on the belly maybe a dunlin - bill looks a bit long though from the angle.

[Shrike]

after finding juvenile dunlin pic i've changed my mind the bill is too dark for green sandpiper , juvenile dunlin it is.

[John B (NTS)]

A rule of thumb which usually stands me in good stead is, when confronted by a small to medium sized wader, to ask 2 key questions:

1) Why isn't it a Dunlin, and
2) No really why isn't it a Dunlin?

The bold scalloping on the mantle feathers rules out Common or Green Sandpiper in this case. Commons are fairly plain on the mantle and Greens have only light spotting. You can pick up the slightly decurved bill too.

[eunatural]

This is a Dunlin and ad winter as it has some black speckling on the breast.

[Dogghound]

Its a Juvenile, adult winter plumage has much less black in the scapulars. median, greater coverts etc. Looks like it may have the odd adult feather mixed into the scaps.

[galanthophile]

Many thanks to everyone!