An American Golden Plover at Old Hall Marshes

12th May 2026

Time for a visit to Old Hall Marshes to see the American Golden Plover which has been present since the 3rd May. The bird alternates between the Bale Field and the breach on the North bank of the Salcott Channel. When I arrived in the car park I was told it had been in the Bale Field, but had just flown back to the breach on the other side of the channel. Unfortunately, this is 200 yards from the South bank, but has the advantage of having the sun behind you so therefore better for photography.

When I arrived on the bank opposite the breach the bird had disappeared from view, but luckily there was a supporting task to keep me entertained. What at first I assumed to be a Curlew appeared from over the bank and it was only when I took a couple of shots I realised it was a Whimbrel. Not really surprising at this time of year.

Along the return path by the Bale Field a male Ruff was just coming into summer plumage with a stunning rusty head and black breast.

It was accompanied by a Reeve.

Then back on the river wall a small wader appeared on the channel that crosses the Bale Field, the Temminck's Stint, but unfortunately 200+ yards away. The bird is still in winter plumage. It too has a pectoral band but is un-streaked and has a short bill,

So what about the American Golden Plover? Well unfortunately, due to the nature of the site, birds at Old Hall Marshes are seldom close and the plover was no exception, It was currently just beyond the breach, sometimes on the green algae beyond the breach and other times on the seaweed-covered rocks that are the remains of the river wall. These are the record shots I managed to get.

Well, what a great day and great to enjoy these birds in such good company.