Curlew Sandpiper - or Dunlin?

[ijwilki]

There were 2 of these on the site shoreline today. I first thought they were Curlew Sandpipers in winter plumage, then I thought Dunlin, but the bill seems too long for Dunlin, so am I correct with Curlew Sandpiper? - I've only seen them in rufous plumage before.

Still think they could be Dunlin - need an expert!

[subbysmith]

Wonderful pictures. I would have thought they were Dunlin, but an expert will be along soon enough to give you an answer!

[Twitcheruth]

Dunlin for me too Ian......nice shots!

[Winterkoning]

Nice Series of Photograph,s there Ian.........ID not a clue,but enjoyes your photography

[Dave Appleton]

Dunlin is correct. Curlew Sandpiper (which would be very unusual this late, though not impossible) would have an even longer bill, but as the longest-billed Dunlins can nearly match Curlew Sandpiper in bill length this is perhaps not the best feature to use. Curlew Sandpipers also have longer legs and longer neck, and they have a more prominent pale stripe over the eye. If in doubt try and see it fly - Curlew Sandpipers have wholly white rumps whereas Dunlin have a dark line through the middle of it.

[aquila 1]

t hey are brilliant set of pictures, no matter what species, thanks for shareing. best regards mac.

[ijwilki]

Thanks guys