This time last year the weather was pretty much the same, wet and miserable, caused by the “jetstream” sitting lower south than it should and dragging wet weather over Great Britain. I noticed that on this week last year I had seen Green Sandpipers so I thought, before the rain really set in, I would have a close look today to see if they are around this year.
The photo is one taken last year in very dull conditions. I did see one today and now I know where to look I am hoping to get some good shots as the week goes on.
Green Sandpipers are not common in the UK but are seen here in Devon as they move seasonally in the Spring and Autumn. A quick surf on the net shows me that they are more commonly seen in Africa, Asia and the Far East and seem to be quite common in many parts of the world. There are very few good published photos of Green Sandpiper taken in Devon so that is my next challenge.
They are darker and more spotted than Common Sandpiper and in fact not closely related to that species. They are more related to the other “tringa” waders such as Redshank, Greenshank and Wood Sandpiper. This family has more representatives in the New World than Europe so a Green Sandpiper is a good bird to see in the UK.
When they fly their white rump is very noticeable and the RSPB description says that they are like a giant House Martin in this regard. They have a distinctive call which is uttered as they fly.