Curlew- Scolopacidae

[Chocky]

I captured this lovely bird this morning on the Exe Estuary.
I'm pretty sure it is a Curlew and not a Whimbrel. The Whimbrel has a shorter bill and I think a slightly longer neck.
One photo shows him on the shore probing and the second shows him flying off. The gull beside him is a Black tipped wing Gull ( Herring Gull) but close together, can give you an idea of the Curlew's size.

[rolf]

Nice photos Chocky, I like the size comparison as well, also a great in flight shot.

[Chocky]

Thanks Rolf . I thought it a good idea to leave gull for comparison rather than clone him out even if he does steel the scene.