Rare Birds in Northamptonshire
74 species matching this filter.
Northamptonshire may be a landlocked county, but its reservoirs, river valleys, and mixed farmland attract a surprising variety of rare bird species throughout the year. With 74 species classified as rare, patient observers may encounter anything from passage Arctic Terns and Black-tailed Godwits at the county's reservoirs to winter visitors such as Bohemian Waxwings and Hen Harriers quartering open fields. Scarce breeders like the Eurasian Tree Sparrow and elusive Eurasian Bittern add further excitement for birders exploring this often-overlooked county.
Showing 70–74 of 74 species
Willow Tit
Poecile montanusLC
A rare passage visitor, reflecting severe national decline. Occasionally recorded in spring and late autumn at damp woodland sites.
Dec–Apr
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare passage wader recorded at freshwater margins in May and again in August–September during return migration.
May–Sep
Wood Warbler
Phylloscopus sibilatrixLC
A rare passage migrant in May and June, occasionally singing briefly in mature woodland. No longer breeds regularly in the county.
May–Jun
Yellow-browed Warbler
Phylloscopus inornatusLC
A rare passage vagrant, occasionally recorded in winter. This tiny Siberian warbler is a prized find in the county's scrubby hedgerows.
Jan
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare but year-round visitor to reservoirs and tips, most often picked out among flocks of other large gulls.
Apr