THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
WOOD SANDPIPER – Tringa glareola
Found by: Unknown. August 1943.
One was clearly identified near St. Catherine, at the southern end of the Cotswolds, on August 13th. The bird, viewed at about ten yards range, was feeding at a small pond close to the Oakford Reservoir and just within the present day South Gloucestershire unitary area.
Identified at map reference ST: 787 699. It was noted as being smaller than a Green Sandpiper and when in flight lacked the black and white appearance of that species. Among other details observed were the brown mantle patterned with white markings, the white rump and barred tail. When flushed it gave a shrill triple call, all on the same pitch. This appears to be the first recorded occurrence of this species for South Gloucestershire.
HH Davis: Bristol Naturalists Society Notes from 1943.