During late summer, it can be tricky to identify individual wader species amongst the groups of small waders that frequent our shores. 

The key to identifying many of these small, plump birds is to become accustomed to the structure, plumage and habits of Dunlins first. This provides an ideal reference point for separating apparently similar species like Sanderling and Curlew Sandpiper. 

In this Bird ID video, we compare Sanderling and Curlew Sandpiper to their more well-recognised Dunlin cousin to help you approach wader flocks with confidence.