Holmethorpe Sand Pits, Surrey … 26th & 27th July 2010

Early on Monday the 26th, I found a Dunlin at one of the pits at Holmethorpe. It appeared to be an adult moulting out of summer plumage, as can be seen in Paul's photo below.
Two Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper were also present and a Common Tern flew over.


Monday's adult DUNLIN (Paul)

Early today, Tuesday the 27th, I found what I first thought was the same Dunlin at the same pits as yesterday but, on closer scrutiny, it turned out that this bird was a juvenile, showing the white bands on the mantle. It did a disappearing trick on me and, by the time Paul had joined me, the bird was nowhere to be seen. Hopefully someone else will relocate it later today.


Tuesday's juvenile DUNLIN (Graham)

The supporting cast today included four Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers, one of which appeared to be a juvenile with barring on the wing-coverts and with exceptionally dark plumage for a Common Sand, looking more like a Green Sandpiper at a distance. Also present was a Common Tern.


COMMON SANDPIPER (Graham)


(VIDEO) COMMON TERN (Paul)

It is pretty obvious that waders are on the move and hopefully the run of birds passing through Holmethorpe will continue. A Wood Sandpiper would be rather nice ………….

Graham & Paul