Pectoral Sandpiper breeds in the boggy tundra of
northeast Asia and North America and is a very long-distance migrant. It has a
greyish breast, sharply demarcated at its lower edge, which gives this species
its English name. Much the commonest Nearctic vagrant to Europe and annual in
autumn from late August to mid-October in Britain and Ireland. Its relatively
high frequency of occurrence is believed to be linked to strong south-east
movement across Canada in autumn, leading to overshooting of the Canadian coast
into paths of Atlantic depressions, though some vagrants may reach Europe
westwards from Siberia.
There have been six Pectoral Sandpipers reported
from S. Gloucestershire;
2008: (1)
A juvenile was found on Northwick Warth on
September 18th and was seen well before disappearing into the salt marsh at
around 13:30. It was present from September 18th - 23rd.
Pectoral Sandpiper at Northwick Warth. September
2008. Top left & right, Paul Bowerman, bottom right Rich Andrews and left
Gareth Jones.
2006: (2)
One, a juvenile was reported at Northwick Warth on
the morning of September 23rd favouring the grazed salt marsh at ST: 552 872. It
was still present on September 24th and around 10:00 on
September 25th. It was
joined by a second bird at around 18:25 with one lingering until September 26th.
Pectoral Sandpiper at Northwick Warth. September
2006. Left and centre Paul Bowerman, right Gary Thoburn.
2005: (1)
On August 3rd one thought to be this species was
reported in flight heading north at Oldbury Power Station.
1998: (1)
A juvenile/ 1st winter was found on September 21st -
26th at Northwick Warth.
Pectoral Sandpiper at Northwick Warth. September
1998. Peter Leigh.
1989:(1)
On September 17th a presumed juvenile/ 1st winter
was identified at Oldbury Power Station. This occurrence constitutes the first
report of this species for S. Gloucestershire.