Eurasian Whimbrels are large waders, although they are not as large as Eurasian Curlews. As soon as I spot a group of mini-Curlews hidden in the long grass at Exminster Marshes, I call out, “Whimbrel!” They’re too hidden, and occupied with eating, to see clearly. The next evening they are spread out and clearly visible:
Whimbrel are also more delicate as well as being smaller than Curlew. Their call is like a Curlew’s but quieter, and less deep somehow.
And that bend in the beak? It’s just the tip which bends at a jaunty angle, not the whole beak, as in the Curlew. I’m not sure which species the local bike-racks are meant to be:
At home I check the name of the Whimbrel in Orcadian dialect. The name of the Curlew is Whaup, after its call. Whimbrel? It’s the Peedie Whaup. Peedie means small. Perfect.
Posts on Curlews
Curlew in flightThe brief warmth of the sun in the afternoon on a cold day was a welcome interlude on a trip… read more
A curly CurlewHaving a Curlew fly over is always a thrill, especially if I can hear it call. It's the haunting last… read more
Whaup on a stabThere's a Curlew on a fence post, or, as Orcadians might say, a Whaup on a stab. I've slowed the… read more
Curlew flypastA chance encounter with a Curlew always improves my day. They're my emotional connection to the wilderness we've lost. read more
Whaup in ButtercupsWhaup is the Orcadian name for the Eurasian Curlew, Numenius arquata. Here's one flying above the Buttercups in Westray: They're… read more
CurlewIt's a warm evening, bathed in orange light. I hear the call first. Then it's the flypast. It's a Curlew.… read more
Last call of the CurlewEvery time I mention that Curlews are threatened, that their populations are collapsing, that several of the species worldwide are… read more