Curlew - on the beach

[DavidVenables]

While photographing a well attended yachting event I snatched a few images of this bird.











Dave Venables

[nick_gray]

Very good photos Dave, I think 1 and 2 could do with a little cropping, number 3 is my favourite and the composition and cropping is spot on.

Regards

Nick

[SieSmith]

Dave,
I'm thinking it looks more Whimbrel (ish) with the pronounced eye stripe and whiter underparts. I could be wrong, it's been known.

Take a look at these for comparison:-
http://www.stevenround-birdphotography.com/Curlew.htm

http://www.stevenround-birdphotography.com/Whimbrel.htm

Cheers, Sie

[DavidVenables]

Sie, thanks for the info, I notice both birds were photographed in my locality something else for me to look out for. I don't know if I've got time t take up twitching properly, it was a chance encounter. Speaking of which I opened the curtains thursday morning to see a bird of prey sitting on the chimney of the of the flats across he road, 'fraid I couldn't identify that properly either.

[SieSmith]

No problem, I thought they were from your neck of the woods.
Did you manage to get a shot of the raptor?

Cheers, Sie

[DavidVenables]

Yes I did, but unfortunately solely a low angle back view, I decided to move upstairs for a better angle in which time it flew off I'll post it later.
Dave V

[DavidVenables]

Some help required identifying this bird, seen in the early morning in an urban area were there is a fairly large population of pigeons,



Peregrine may be?
As I said in moving location for a better angle, I missed it flying off. I wonder if this is possibly a regular hunting zone or just a one off visit.

[SieSmith]

Looks like a Sparrowhawk to me, Dave. Legs look a bit too long and spindly for a Peregrine. I'm guessing male sparrowhawk.
Still, nice to see on your doorstep, so to speak.

Cheers, Sie