STILT SANDPIPER (Calidris himantopus) Adult present from 4th to 7th September 2014. [This same individual was first sighted two days earlier in Co. Wexford from 2nd to 3rd and was seen again later in the month in Co. Wexford on 10th,!2th & 13th], Big Marsh, Broadmeadow Estuary, Swords, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland

 

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE

Click here for detailed species information

Click here to see distribution map and to hear calls

 The Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus) is a shorebird or wader of the family Scolopacidae which is in the genus Calidris. 

 This long legged medium sized sandpiper breeds in the tundra regions of Alaska and Canada. It then migrates south to spend the winter in South America. In addition small numbers over winter in California (Salton Sea), Texas, Florida, the Caribbean Islands and parts of Central America.  

 It also occurs as a very rare autumn passage migrant in northwest Europe including Ireland and this individual is the 16th Irish record.

 

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

 

Reference source: Irish Bird Report 2014  Carmody M. & Hobbs J.