THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
THE BIRDS OF SOUTH
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
WOOD SANDPIPER – Tringa glareola
As with all reports of
rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective
rarities committees
Wood Sandpiper, is the smallest of the 'shanks' and breeds in sub arctic wetlands from the Scottish Highlands across Europe and Asia. It will nest on the ground, or reuse the old tree nest of another bird, such as the Fieldfare. It is an uncommon passage migrant usually in smaller numbers than Common or Green Sandpipers, mainly seen on the east and south coasts. A few pairs breed in Scotland and it was recognised as a British species by Montagu in 1802.
There have been fourteen Wood Sandpipers reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1943: (1)
On August 13th an adult was identified at Oakford Reservoir near St. Catherine. This occurrence constitutes the first record of this species for S. Gloucestershire.
1967: (1)
On August 22nd one was noted at New Passage.
1971: (1)
One was reported from Severn Beach on July 31st.
1977: (1)
One was reported from Northwick Warth on August 7th.
1979: (2)
Two were seen together at Northwick Warth on August 25th.
1983: (1)
One was seen on August 7th at Oldbury Power Station.
1984: (1)
One was found on September 12th at Northwick Warth and was still present the following day September 13th.
1985: (1)
On August 18th an individual was watched at Aust Warth.
1993: (3)
One was noted on May 23rd at Northwick Warth; One was seen on August 28th at Northwick Warth; One was found on September 6th at Oldbury Power Station.
1996: (1)
One was noted at Oldbury Power Station on May 5th.
1997: (1)
On August 31st one was found at Northwick Warth, it was present for five days and was last noted on September 4th.