Whimbrel or Curlew

[Chocky]

Here is a nice capture of a flock of Oystercatchers. But in the centre at the bottom is a different bird.
I have red some where that Whimbrels are oftfen found flying with Oystercatchers.
They ar of the Curlew family,
Whimbrels have a shorter bill and are a little smaller than the curlew.
How do you tell tough unless together ?

[wild goose]

Tricky one but I think this is a curlew. I'm guessing it is at the back of the flock because although a whimbrel is roughly the same size as an oystercatcher, its bill is radically shorter than a curlew. The bill in this shot looks long. Also, the bird's primaries look as though they are moulting (see the pale area towards the tip of the far wing) This is also a tell tale sign for curlew.

Hope this helps

wild goose

[Chocky]

Thank you . I think it is a Curlew . Apparently it's the wrong time for Whimbrels ans they don't winter here but only pass through. I captured a massive flock last month but too far away to be good enough for the gallery. Yes the beak is a lot shorter on the Whimbrel.