Rare Birds in Northamptonshire
78 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 70–78 of 78 species
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
A rare spring passage migrant, with small numbers passing through in April and May, often detected by their distinctive call.
Apr–May
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
A rare autumn passage migrant in August and September, pausing briefly on rough grassland and scrubby field margins during southward migration.
Aug–Sep
White-winged Tern
Chlidonias leucopterusLC
A rare passage vagrant, with occasional May records at the county's larger reservoirs such as Pitsford Water.
May
Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnusLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally seen on reservoirs and flooded fields in midwinter and during October movements.
Oct–Jan
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
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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