Hi Brian
They look like winter plumage Greenshank to me. The bills are too thick, long and slightly upturned for Marsh Sands. Overall Marsh Sands usually have paler upperparts than this, with more of a supercilium behind the eye, and can have a bit more of a capped appearance (but this can be very subtle).
Although there is nothing for comparison, these birds do look quite chunky too. Marsh Sands are really elegant, slight waders. Winter plumage Marsh Sands usually have yellowish legs but this is variable and they can be as greyish-green as the birds in your photo.
Cheers Dan
From:
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Date: Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:30:41 +1100
Subject: [canberrabirds] Help required with wader ID
Last year I visited the Western Treatment Plant in Victoria and now have some wader photos that I need some assistance with. This photo isn't the best but I am hoping it is good enough to make an ID. My initial thoughts were of a Marsh Sandpiper but I am not at all confident.
Thanking anyone who can assist.
Brian
Queanbeyan
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