A Peedie Whaup

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 - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

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.

Whimbrel - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

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:

Curlew Bike Rack - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

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

Curlews - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the) Curlew in flight The brief warmth of the sun in the afternoon on a cold day was a welcome interlude on a trip… read more
Curlew - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the) A curly Curlew Having a Curlew fly over is always a thrill, especially if I can hear it call. It's the haunting last… read more
Curlew - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the) Whaup on a stab There's a Curlew on a fence post, or, as Orcadians might say, a Whaup on a stab. I've slowed the… read more
Curlew - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the) Curlew flypast A chance encounter with a Curlew always improves my day. They're my emotional connection to the wilderness we've lost. read more
Curlew - Ladybird Book of British Birds The Third Ladybird Book of British Birds – #16 The Curlew I’m currently reading the third volume of the Ladybird Book of British Birds and their nests from the 1950s. Times… read more
Limes at Forde House - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David B The divine right of kings and wildlife on the menu I've discovered the fabulous menu of a dinner fit for a king, eaten in 1625, served in a local house… read more
Curlew in Buttercups - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the) Whaup in Buttercups Whaup is the Orcadian name for the Eurasian Curlew, Numenius arquata. Here's one flying above the Buttercups in Westray: They're… read more
Curlew - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the) Curlew It's a warm evening, bathed in orange light. I hear the call first. Then it's the flypast. It's a Curlew.… read more
Curlew - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the) Last call of the Curlew Every time I mention that Curlews are threatened, that their populations are collapsing, that several of the species worldwide are… read more

Feel free to leave a Reply :)