Whimbrel - Alicehead

Three Whimbrel have been present for several days at the small holding by the junction of  Chesterfield  Road and Alicehead Road. There are Curlews close by giving a good comparison of the two similar species. When seen together the Whimbrel is noticeably smaller, the distinctive dark crown and eyestripe are just visible in the photo and the bill is shorter and less curved than Curlew.
It probably crosses the area most years as it heads north towards its breeding grounds in northern Scotland and Scandanavia but is easily overlooked, its piping call is quite unlike Curlew and is often the first indication of a passing bird.

Whimbrel