THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
DOTTEREL – Charadrius morinellus
As with all reports of rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective rarities committees
Dotterel breeds in the arctic tundra of northern Eurasia from Norway to eastern Siberia and on suitable mountain plateaus such as the Scottish highlands and the Alps. As with the phalaropes the female is brighter than the male the latter being responsible for incubation. Some historical names for Dotterel include; Dot Plover, Stone Runner and Wind. The name Dotterel is derived from their tame and approachable nature, they were considered simple minded, thus, dotard or dotty. The scientific name 'morinellus' means 'little fool'.
There have been nineteen Dotterel reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1974: (1)
One in winter plumage was reported from Severn Beach on September 14th and was present until September 17th. It was apparently approachable to within a metre allowing a detailed description to be made. This occurrence constitutes the first record of this species for S. Gloucestershire.
1982: (1)
On May 11th a female was trapped and ringed at Pucklechurch.
1992: (14)
Twelve were recorded on May 8th near Tormarton viewed looking east from a lay-by on the A46 just before the M4, J18 heading towards Old Sodbury. The count increased to fourteen on May 9th with just two remaining until May 11th.
1995: (3)
On May 16th three were found near Marshfield.