Shorebirds at lake Victoria, Point Lonsdale (Vic)

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frankandeng
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Shorebirds at lake Victoria, Point Lonsdale (Vic)

I have real trouble identifying shorebirds.  Would appreciate someone with more knowledge helping me with this one please...

SteveM
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Curlew Sandpipers, except for the one in front(bottom) middle which I think is a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

frankandeng
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Thanks, Steve...  much appreciated

SteveM
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Hi frankandeng,

I know I should've said why Curlew Sandpiper, but sometimes I am a bit busy & or have trouble explaining why in words.

Anyhow, they are Curlew Sandpipers because of the bill lengh, size & shape, i.e. relatively, longish thin bill with a down-curve(like a Curlew). Also the white-rump.  No other regular wader in Australia with this combination. 

Note the odd bird in the bottom front middle has a dark line down the centre of the tail(edit - I should've said rump), ruling out Curlew Sandpiper, & the bill appears to be much shorter. So based on those facts & its size relative to the Curlew Sandpipers, it looks too big & dark on the upperparts for a Stint or Sanderling, leaving only Sharp-tailed Sandpiper is the likely choice for it.  Of course it's probably impossible to rule out Pectoral Sandpiper, but Sharpies are thousands of times more common in Australia.

frankandeng
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Steve - thanks again - your help is greatly appreciated - I don't have very good eyesight, so deep and meaningful explanations like yours are absolutely invaluable!!! 

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