Common Sandpiper
September 5, 2011 in Biopedia, Birds by PaulS
A smallish wader with contrasting brown upperparts and white underparts. It habitually bobs up and down, known as ‘teetering’, and has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off.
This bird does breed in our area but not prolifically. It breeds more to the north of our region but birds on spring and summer passage may be seen in the valley. Look for them near any fresh water. There was one last month at Straws Bridge.
Look for the white shoulder mark, cutting up from the breast – it makes it distinctive and easy to id when its not “bobbing”.