If you are unable to distinguish between a Shag and an Egret you may find the following observation guides helpful. Coastal Champions is a delightful introduction to the observation of 12 common coastal birds for young readers. You will meet Colin the Curlew, Gary the Grey Plover, and Orin the Oystercatcher amongst others. However, if you wish to identify the Shag and the Egret, then it is the Field Studies Council folding laminated guides that you need.
Coastal Champions is a short colouring and activity book produced by [email protected].
The Field Studies Council guides were published in 2018 and are still available from [email protected], or a National Trust shop. They are a concise, authoritative, beginner’s guide to Winter or Summer Coastal Birds. Other bird categories are also available.