A small wader of riversides and wetland edges, where it forages for small invertebrates from the water surface, mud or marginal vegetation. It has sandy-brown upperparts and bright white underparts, with a distinctive white 'hook' on the side of the chest, relatively short yellow-green legs and a crouched stance. In flight it shows a thin white wing bar, white sides to the tail, and distinctly bowed wings, alternating flickering and gliding. When disturbed, it usually flies close to the water surface, with its flight call is a trio of high-pitched and piercing and quick notes 'see, see, seee'. When feeding, it walks steadily constantly bobbing its rear end.
27th August 2023. Pickering Park.
Status and distribution in Hull
The Common Sandpiper breeds in upland rivers and lakes in the UK, and winters in Africa. In Hull it is a regular passage migrant, often single birds, occasionally travelling in small parties. Birds can be seen in spring and autumn passage, although the autumn passage is longer and stronger. The species can be expected from mid April to late May and from mid July to mid September. Any place by water, particularly the large lakes at East Park and Pickering Park, Bransholme Reservoir, and along the River Hull and the Humber foreshore at low tide could hold birds.
22 May 2022. Pickering Park.
3 May 2022. Bransholme reservoir.
Common Sandpiper feeding on the exposed mud at the River Hull, by Stoneferry. 1st May 2021.
Management and conservationThe Common Sandpiper is Amber listed in the UK due to population declines, more marked in the mid 1990s when the UK population declined about 20%. In later years the population, although fluctuating, is more stable, with a recent increase. The reasons behind the decline are unknown. Being a migrant, habitat maintenance to known stopover sites could aid survival during migration.
More information
Common Sandpiper. BTO Birdfacts.
R.K. Broughton. 2002. Birds of the Hull Area.
(top shot: Common Sandpiper at East Park, 10 September 2019)
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