Redshanks are medium-sized waders known for their bright red legs and loud, alarm-calling behaviour, earning them the nickname “sentinels of the marsh.”
They are often the first to alert other birds to danger, taking flight with a flickering wingbeat and sharp whistle. Redshanks feed on worms, insects, and small crustaceans, probing the mudflats and saltmarshes of Langstone Harbour.
What does this bird’s call sound like?
They breed in wet grasslands and saltmarshes, where they build well-hidden nests among the vegetation.
Did You Know?
Redshanks are sensitive to disturbance, especially during breeding and feeding. Please keep to paths and observe quietly to avoid flushing them.
In winter, numbers swell as birds arrive from northern Europe to join the local population. Their presence is a strong indicator of healthy wetland habitats, and they are a priority species for conservation. Watching redshanks forage and interact offers a glimpse into the dynamic life of the intertidal zone.
- Bird Aware Solent raises awareness of local migratory birds – click here
- Find out more about this bird at the BAS website – click here