The highlight of my recent trip to the ocean was the large number of Whimbrels I saw at Bottle Beach. It’s not really unusual to see Whimbrels. I’ve gotten pictures of them before, but always at a distance. This time didn’t start any different from before; I got shots of them standing way out as the tide came in.
For some reason, though, a few of them starting coming closer and I was able to get some good shots of isolated Whimbrels.
The fun started when I was following one and noticed it had found something like a huge worm in the sand.
As soon as it found it another whimbrel rushed over and started pecking at the same spot, while the original finder took off running down the beach, apparently knowing that others would soon give chase.
As I sat there taking pictures, I soon discovered that it wasn’t only food they were fighting over. Several Whimbrels appeared to be playing king-of-the-mountain.
chasing one another off rocky outcroppings.
Although I didn’t manage to get shots of any Whimbrels in flight, I got some “action” shots, and I couldn’t have asked for more than that.
LOVE the last 3 photos!! They have beautiful markings on their wings.
What wonderful long beaks they have. Great photos.
Trying to catch up on your photos, saw this terrific series on whimbrels.We have been looking for the name of this bird since we saw it in Oregon earlier in spring. Thanks. kjm
Glad I could help.
The Curlew looks nearly the same, but is apparently larger than the Whimbrel, kjm.