ID Challenge

SEPTEMBER: AUTUMN WADERS

How many autumn waders can you name? Why not put yourself to the test?

MANY PEOPLE THINK of waders as a particularly challenging group. And, to an extent, this is true. But they are a diverse and charismatic bunch, so don’t let their relative trickiness put you off enjoying these brilliant birds. That said, it would be no fun if the ID Challenge didn’t make you at least think a bit about the identifications; so we have chosen one or two slightly less conventional poses, as well as some fully side-on, ‘couldn’t-be-easier’ portraits for this suite of wader photos. The idea is to look at the pictures, try to name the birds featured (and, if you feel confident, perhaps try to ‘age’ the birds, as well). Then turn the page for our answers and solutions and, as usual, turn once more for some tips to help you identify shorebirds (and other birds) in your birding travels, this autumn.