The curlew is a wader, normally found on the coast, or larger bodies of water. They move inland in the summer and can be found on rough and damp pastures. Although the waterlogged meadows in the Winter would seem ideal for Curlew, they are not normally seen at Croome, but they are occasional visitors, or fly-overs. The curlew is a large wader, identified by its long, downward curving bill.

Like many waders they can be heard before they are seen, as they have a loud call when flying. This one was heard at the south of the estate by the park seat. It was circling the meadow and I could hear its call well before I spotted it. One theory for its name is from the sound it makes, an unmistakable, plaintive, and haunting 'cur-lew' call.