A Spotted Sandpiper at Grafham Water

3rd May 2025

A Spotted Sandpiper was found at Grafham Water on the 1st May and during  that day and the next day kept to the north end of the dam so time for a look. I parked the car and walked round to the dam wondering how many people would be there and was a bit taken aback when there were.........none! Apparently it flew further down the dam earlier in the morning and was then spooked by a Common Sandpiper and both flew off out over the reservoir, so it was just a matter of looking and waiting to hear if it had been re-located.

There were a few of the usual suspects present like this Pied Wagtail.

Also a sprinkling of waders starting with four Little Ringed Plovers.

And then a couple of Common Sandpipers, all carefully checked for spots.

But the biggest surprise today was the appearance of a single winter-plumaged Sanderling. I don't recall ever seeing a Sanderling here before which is not too surprising as they are fairly scarce inland.

But then the news came through the Spotted Sandpiper had been relocated on a narrow beach below the Plummer car park so off for a long trek around the dam. It was some 20 yards away and by now had moved under some trees so the dappled light made photography a bit more interesting, but here are the results.

Well, after a shaky start that turned out well so now off to Fowlmere.