Turnstone bird on grass. © Fergus Gill
Turnstones are medium-sized sandpipers of rocky shores and gravel beaches. They have a mottled appearance with brown and black upperparts and brown and white head pattern, whilst their underparts are white and legs orange. Although they don't breed here, they can be seen throughout the year as birds from northern Europe pass through in summer and again in spring, and birds from Canada and Greenland arrive in early autumn and leave in early summer. Turnstones are named for their habit of flipping over stones on the shore to feed on invertebrates living underneath.
Curlew bird searching for prey on the mudflats ©Gillian Day
The curlew is a very large, tall wader, about the same size as a female pheasant. Curlew are mottled brown and grey, with long, bluish legs and a long, downcurved bill that is pink underneath. It can be distinguished from the smaller whimbrel by the longer bill and plain head pattern. When they fly, curlew have a white wedge on the rump.
In the winter, you’ll see curlews feeding in groups on tidal mudflats, saltmarshes and nearby farmland. From July onwards, coastal numbers start to build up, peaking in January as we receive an influx of Scandinavian-breeding curlews here, who take advantage of our relatively mild winters. In the spring and summer, curlews migrate to their breeding grounds in upland areas of rough pasture, heather moorland and wetlands.
Sanderling bird ©Tom Hibbert
A medium sized sandpiper, about 20cm long, with a medium-length straight black bill and black legs. In the winter they are silvery grey, almost white with a bright white belly. Sanderling only have three toes on each foot: they are missing the hind toe, which makes running easier. Sanderlings feed at the edge of the tide, scampering back and forth. Ringing studies have shown that birds from Greenland and Siberia may migrate towards the UK for the Winter period, some staying some simply passing through.
A redshank standing amongst seaweed on the edge of the water. Redshank © Tom Marshall
The redshank is a large sandpiper with long, bright red legs, a brown body and a straight bill, which is red at the base and black at the end. It is easily recognisable when it flies, it shows a white triangular wedge up its back and a wide, white triangle on its rear. It is a typical wader, feeding in shallow water around lakes, marshes, mudflats and coastal wetlands. Wintering birds can be seen in large numbers around estuaries and coastal wetlands. It breeds on open marshes, mires and saltmarshes, particularly in Scotland and northern England. Many of the redshank which migrate to the UK for the Winter head back to Iceland where they will breed in the Summer.
Lapwing. © Darin Smith
Lapwings can be recognised by their long head crests, black and white patterns, and very broad, round wingtips. From a distance, lapwings look black and white, but up-close, the back has an iridescent green and purple sheen. Lapwings can often be seen wheeling through winter skies in large, flocs over wetlands or farmland. The name lapwing is thought to derive from an Old English term meaning 'leap with a flicker in it' because the dense winter flocks appear to flicker between white and black when the birds flap their wings. As spring approaches, some birds head back to their continental breeding grounds and others disperse to breed in the UK.
Brent geese. © Amy Lewis
Our smallest goose, the brent goose has a grey-brown back, and black neck and head, with just a small white patch on the neck.
The brent goose flies to the UK for the milder winter. Two populations arrive: those with dark bellies can be found around Eastern England; while those with pale bellies can be found in the North East.
These migratory birds have travelled for thousands of miles to get to the UK and will now need to rest up and feed in order to survive the winter months before making the long journey back to summer breeding grounds. It is therefore very important to remember to give these birds plenty of space by sticking to foot paths, keeping dogs on leads, and avoid entering mudflats and saltmarsh, some of which are restricted to people and dogs.
For more information on access at our wetlands reserves please see the links below: Oare Marshes, Sandwich and Pegwell Bay, South Swale. In the mean time you can start excited about your next visit to the coast by checking out some of our favourite Winter waders Wading birds | The Wildlife Trusts.
The British snake: do you think of a greenish snake with dark stripes down its body? That’s a grass snake you’re picturing, and for good reason. This countryside icon is the UK’s most widespread and commonly spotted snake.
National Marine Week is our celebration of UK seas! From 26th July - 10th August 2025 we'll be showcasing the 'Secrets of our Seabeds'. One of these secrets are lesser-known marine species.
The mysterious nightjar has fascinated humans for generations and their presence can be an indicator of healthy heathland ecosystems. Learn all about them here.
