After the summer lull, waders are now flocking back to our shores. It's that time of year, and they are on the move from their Arctic breeding grounds. We are in
the early phase of autumn migration and many species can still be seen in their
charismatic breeding plumage.
Birds change their feathers every year: good
quality feathers are vital for efficient flight and for insulation, but there
is a need for a wardrobe chance ahead of the breeding season. A striking,
colourful ensemble is essential to attract a mate and to show off to rivals. Many waders
migrate northwards before moulting, so we rarely get to see them in their
Sunday best. August presents us with the rare opportunity to see returning
birds still retaining their breeding finery, before the post-breeding
moult leaves them dull and drab for the winter months.
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| Winter plumaged Bar-tailed Godwit John Fox |
There are some handsome examples to be seen in Dublin this month, so make sure
to take the time to get out and have a look. Among them, Bar-tailed Godwits
have returned from northern Scandinavia and Siberia, and feeding parties may be
observed probing for buried morcels the tide line. Scattered around the flock are birds
with rich brick-red underparts, which extending unbroken from head to tail. This
contrasts with the dark wings with golden specs admixed with the grey, black
and brown feathers. The Tolka Estuary is a good place to see these flocks on a
rising tide.
Dunlin can easily be identified at the moment by their distinctive black
bellies, which will turn pale as the weeks wear on. Now, they have rufous and
black wings, white flanks and a black belly just like they were swimming in
black ink. They will become brown-grey above and white below soon, and will blend well with Sanderling and Ringed Plover later in the
season. You will find Dunlin on Dollymount Strand and south of the Bull Island
causeway at this time of year.
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| Dunlin in Summer plimage Clive Timmons |
It’s a good time to see other species on their way through, following the
Dublin coast on their way to Africa. Whimbrel can be seen and heard now, but
can be difficult to distinguish from the slightly larger, longer-billed Curlew.
Their call, on the other hand, is unique. Try learning the call before going
looking for them; it's described as a loud, rippling whistle “pü pü pü pü pü pü pü”.
Greenshank are also great to see at this time of the year. Like a Redshank’s paler and lankier older
brother, they have very white under parts contrasting with the dark wings. You
can see them loosely associating with feeding flocks of Redshanks, but their longer
legs allow they to exploit deeper pools.
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| Whimbrel John Fox |
So get out there and see what returning waders you can spot this month, as always keep an eye out for colour ringed birds as we are always looking for re-sightings of our project ringed birds.
