Some birds are easy to identify but others are tricky due to variations either inherent (morphs) or seasonal. Last week we were walking along the coast when we spotted some waders (shorebirds). Although I was reasonably confident of the identification I was hugely pleased when they both flew so I took a picture. It happens so fast you don’t know what the wingbeat will look like – up, down, or level. At home, I found one with the wing up. Significance? The Grey (Black-bellied) Plover has black armpits which is a good identifying feature. Technically these are the axillary feathers.
