Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) in flight across the beach close to the North Pier in Blackpool, Lancashire, North West, UK Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) Keeping close together in flight helps to kee the birds safer from predators. Along the beach dogs are the biggest distrbance. On coastal marshes, beaches this is usually the first bird to be disturbed, flying off with a noisy cry - giving rise to the name 'sentinel of the marsh'