Migrant Waders at Toorbul

This photo was taken during the QNC’s October outing to the wader roost at Toorbul, opposite Bribie Island.

Waders are never easy to identify – in their non-breeding plumage they lack any bright colours. However with some patience, experience, good fieldguides, the QNC’s recent QUID’s and good views it is quite possible to sort them out. This photo shows four common species, listed below with some of their key identification features. Can you find all four?

1. Bar-tailed Godwit (mainly in background)
   large size
   long straight or slightly upcurved bill, pink at base
2. Great Knot (scattered individuals)
   medium size
   short straight black bill
   distinctive black spotting on breast/flanks
3. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (mainly centre foreground)
   medium-small size
   short straight black bill
   heavy mottling on back
   rufous crown
4. Curlew Sandpiper (mainly centre foreground)
   medium-small size
   longer down-curved bill