THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
THE BIRDS OF SOUTH
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER – Calidris fuscicollis
As with all reports of
rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective
rarities committees
White-rumped Sandpiper can be difficult to distinguish from other similar tiny shorebirds; that are known collectively as 'peeps'. One of the best identification features is the long wings which extend beyond the tail when the bird is on the ground. Other useful features include a pale base to the lower mandible, a clear supercilium and obvious streaks along the flanks. Only the Baird's Sandpiper shows a primary projection and that bird can be distinguished by the lack of a white rump.
There have been four White-rumped Sandpipers reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1985: (1)
On September 12th a juvenile/ 1st winter was identified at Severn Beach. This occurrence constitutes the first record of this species for S. Gloucestershire. It was still present on September 13th.
1995: (1)
An adult was present from August 21st - 30th at Severn Beach.
White-rumped Sandpiper at Severn Beach. August 1995. © Mark Coller.
1998: (1)
A juvenile/ 1st winter was present from November 22nd - 26th at Cake Pill on Aust Warth.
White-rumped Sandpiper at Aust Warth. November 1998. © Paul Bowerman.
2001: (1)
An adult was found in the high tide roost on August 4th at Severn Beach.
White-rumped Sandpiper at Severn Beach. August 2001. © Paul Bowerman.