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. Waterlogged meadows in the winter are ideal for Curlew, and hundreds can often be seen in the sheep fields to the north of the Castle. 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. One theory for its name is from the sound it makes, an unmistakable, plaintive, and haunting 'cur-lew' call.