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Bird identification question

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09-09-2010 5:26pm

#1

tbot

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Hi
I wanted to identify a pretty common bird I see at the beach. I live on the south coast and often see these small, white-ish birds on the sand right at the edge of the water, they're small maybe half the size of a seagull and there's always a group of them maybe 10 or 20. When spooked they all take off, almost at the same instant, fly over the water then land further down the beach.
Anyone know what these are called?
Thanks

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#2 09-09-2010 5:31pm
littlebug

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Sanderling maybe?
http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/IrelandsBirds/Waders/Sanderling/tabid/321/Default.aspx

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#3 09-09-2010 5:46pm
cuddlycavies

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Turnstones?
http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/Default.aspx?tabid=341

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#4 09-09-2010 6:26pm
tbot

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Thanks for the replies! not sure which one it is though. I'll see if I can get a picture next time I see them to compare

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#5 09-09-2010 7:47pm
Judgement Day

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This might help.

http://www.rte.ie/radio/mooneygoeswild/waders/gallery.html

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#6 09-09-2010 8:36pm
Feargal as Luimneach

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I'm thinking either Dunlin or sanderling.

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#7 10-09-2010 2:13am
LostCovey

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Feargal as Luimneach wrote: »

I'm thinking either Dunlin or sanderling.

I agree, and the mention of white-ish colour probably makes sanderling more likely

LC

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#8 10-09-2010 4:26pm
Feargal as Luimneach

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LostCovey wrote: »

I agree, and the mention of white-ish colour probably makes sanderling more likely

LC

Dunlin, this time of year are mostly whitish below as well. Streaking (often faint) confined to upper breast. We need a photo me thinks:)

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#9 10-09-2010 7:29pm
Connacht

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My guess from behaviour, rather than colouration, is Sanderling.

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