BTO Bird ID - Curlew and Whimbrel

Curlew is a familiar wader, found in wild habitats around the UK. In April and May numbers of their smaller cousin, Whimbrel, will be moving through towards their northerly breeding sites and these birds can cause confusion. This video helps you to confidently separate the two species by sight and sound.

[diesel_dawg]

I work in the docklands here in Belfast, and am fortunate enough that my site is literally across the road from an inlet of Belfast Lough, on the opposite side of a stretch of land from where ships come in and out. There are several bird species, including what I now know to be curlew. There are several of them but they forage for food just out of clear sight, so I couldn't be sure what they were. But the calls in this video have cleared it up!
There's a 1969 film called 'Run Wild, Run Free', starring Mark Lester (was in 'Oliver!'), which takes place in Dartmoor. The sound of a curlew can be heard, and it's stayed with me after all this time.

[ChapeauRouge]

Here in Plettenberg Bay I've just noticed them arriving at the local lagoon. Had no idea which one of the two it is. Since they are a lot more skittish than the local spoonbills, lapwings, African oystercatchers, herons, gulls and thick-knees that hang out at the lagoon, getting close enough to distinguish the face markings is rather difficult. And then you gave the call and the penny dropped. Yes those are Whimbrels! They are very welcome visitors to our shores.

[murraykriner]

While frequenting the shore bird section here, I might add to my base the Curlew and Whimbrel particulars to go with my other studies. Though the whimbrel are obviously more noteworthy for their rarity and darker markings, I find a strong regard for the duller Curlew whose greater numbers invite more frequent notice and more familiarity on a regular basis. You've done a wonderful job in your presentation of these incredible visitor's to so many shores. Thanks.

[chuengueyhwang]

This is great footage，Have a nice weekend!

[wildlife]

Brilliant, i love the sound of the Curlew. Absolutely lovely chorus of Curlews (around 1hr 40 min mark) in the Taming of the Shrew, with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

[jonathanwilkinson]

Had me first Whimbrel today at orgreave, many thanks to Dougie for the info..

[CamillaI]

Always have trouble with these two thanks for sharing👍😀

[prasadalc]

Thanks for the video, It is very helpful.

[piramida]

in my place Aceh this bird name "keut keut",