Redshanks- Tringa totanus

[Chocky]

Up we go.
The one behind is actually chasing the one at the top. We didn't know why because they are usually very tolerant of each other. The chasing went on for quite a while.

[rolf]

LOL, you wouldn't think they can fly. Nice photo.

[Chocky]

Thanks Rolf.
Yes you would think they'd fly . I was with Commentator of the Exe estuary ‘Guided Bird Watching Cruises’ and we think they were disputing over territory as they are still in breading but we couldn't see a female. Another joined in but the sun was so bright this photo and the photo with the Curlew are the only reasonable shots I got

[Catherine]

Very unusual shot - 'bird climbing stairs'

Could it have been a 'he' chasing a 'she'?

Well, it DOES happen at this time of year......!

[Chocky]

Thanks Catherine. No these are both males. There were three altogether . we couldn't see a female .

[Catherine]

How do you know which are males and which are females, Beryl?

The RSPB pics suggest there's no difference, and this site;
Bird Watching - Redshank images and Little Ringed Plover images
says they are 'similar'. Please could you tell me how they differ?

[Chocky]

Oh I don't.
The chap I was with knows. He is the Commentator of the Exe estuary ‘Guided Bird Watching Cruises’ and knows more about birds that I'll eve know (he has to I s'pose ) I'll ask him. Next time I see him. Usually if I go along the estuary on a Saturday

I have been to that site before as well