Help with these thanks. Lunt UK (today) (1 Viewer)

RichieTwitchy

YNWA

• Aug 15, 2018

• #1

Hi all

These little guys flew fast and low over the reserve so quickly that they took me by surprise and I could only grab a few shots of their behinds!

So no real chance of me trying to make a good identification - even though I can see markings on the wings - so thought I'd ask you guys.

Each photo is followed by a section of the full-sized photo.

Any help appreciated as always.

thanks

 

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esmondb

The fool that MrT doesn't pity

• Aug 15, 2018

• #2

My first impression is Starlings - short tail, pointed wings

 

RichieTwitchy

YNWA

• Aug 16, 2018

• #3

esmondb said:

My first impression is Starlings - short tail, pointed wings

Click to expand...

Wow - I wouldn't have guessed that as they even flew like small waders with quick wing-beats and low in the water.

Thank you :t:

 

M

markspirito

Well-known member

• Aug 16, 2018

• #4

They all seem to have definite wing bars, therefore I would say a flock of Dunlin

Mark

 

PYRTLE

Old Berkshire Boy

• Aug 16, 2018

• #5

But these birds are very dark above and below. The" wing bars"are probably remnants of the juvenile feathers as they moult into the first adult plumage, and in photo No. 4 you can see the lighter panels are across the wing rather than along it.. Starlings do fly fast and low; I just don't see these as waders I'm afraid.

 

Last edited: Aug 16, 2018

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Aug 16, 2018

• #6

Starlings for me, one of the them has it's wings pulled right in to the body which waders don't do in flight?

 

M

markspirito

Well-known member

• Aug 16, 2018

• #7

andyadcock said:

Starlings for me, one of the them has it's wings pulled right in to the body which waders don't do in flight?

Click to expand...

True...I now agree with Starlings

 

S

stevethehydra

Well-known member

• Aug 16, 2018

• #8

Starlings can look oddly like waders (esp Calidris types) when seen in wetland habitat! I have even seen them mingling with Dunlins at a similar "pit" type reserve and with Turnstones on Bridlington beach.

 

RichieTwitchy

YNWA

• Aug 16, 2018

• #9

Thanks for all the input everyone - who'd have thought Starlings would've started such a discussion!