Godwit (I think)

[highland red]

I think we've seen a Black Tailed Godwit (solitary) on Thurso Beach for the last couple of days. I've tried to ID with Collins British Birds book. The picture with this bird in it's winter plumage appears to confirm this, particularly with the lighter seasonal plumage, and the size of the bird and the shape of it's bill.

Is this a normal type sighting in Caithness/Thurso ?

[nirofo]

There are certainly quite a few Bar-tailed Godwits about, can't say as I've seen a Black-tailed godwit since the Summer.

nirofo.

[highland red]

There are certainly quite a few Bar-tailed Godwits about, can't say as I've seen a Black-tailed godwit since the Summer.

nirofo.

To be honest I'm not really sure and I've since checked my little Collins book and it might well be a bar tailed Godwit in Winter plumage as opposed to a Black Tailed.

To be perfectly honest I didn't notice the winter plumage illustration when I first looked. Either way I'm pleased as I don't think I've seen either before.

Thanks very much for your help.