Sandpipers & Snipes in South Yorkshire
22 species matching this filter.
South Yorkshire's diverse wetlands, reservoirs, and moorland edges provide vital habitat for 22 recorded species of sandpipers and snipes. From the evocative call of the Curlew on the upland moors to wintering flocks of Dunlin and Common Snipe on lowland marshes, the county offers excellent opportunities to observe these wading birds. Notable passage migrants such as Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, and both Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits can be encountered at key sites including the Dearne Valley and Old Moor RSPB reserve.
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
A rare spring passage visitor, occasionally noted at wetland sites in April. Primarily a coastal species, so inland records are noteworthy.
Apr
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
Breeds on wet grasslands in the Dearne Valley, a regional conservation success story, present from March to November.
Mar–Nov
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
A summer breeder along upland streams and reservoir edges, bobbing on rocks from April before departing by autumn.
Apr–Oct
Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
A year-round resident of marshy ground and wet meadows, more conspicuous in winter when flushed from ditches and bogs.
Year-round
Curlew
Numenius arquataNT
An uncommon resident breeding on upland moors in the west. Declining nationally, its evocative call is a hallmark of the Pennine fringe.
Feb–Dec
Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris ferrugineaNT
A scarce autumn passage wader in September and October, picking through muddy scrapes at the region's key wetland sites.
Sep–Oct
Dunlin
Calidris alpinaLC
Small numbers breed on upland moorland in the west, with passage and wintering birds appearing at lowland reservoirs and wetlands from late summer onwards.
Mar–Dec
Eurasian Woodcock
Scolopax rusticolaLC
A rare and elusive resident of damp woodland, most likely encountered during winter when continental birds boost numbers. Absent in autumn.
Nov–Jul
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Green Sandpiper
Tringa ochropusLC
An uncommon but year-round resident, favouring muddy pool edges and ditches. Numbers increase in late summer with returning migrants.
Jun–Apr
Greenshank
Tringa nebulariaLC
An uncommon passage wader seen at reservoirs and flooded fields from spring through autumn. Elegant and long-legged, often feeding alone at muddy pool edges.
Apr–Oct
Grey Phalarope
Phalaropus fulicariusLC
A rare autumn passage visitor, typically storm-driven. Occasionally appears on reservoirs in September after Atlantic gales.
Sep
Jack Snipe
Lymnocryptes minimusLC
A rare and secretive winter visitor to boggy marshes and wet meadows. Easily overlooked due to its skulking habits.
Oct–Mar
Little Stint
Calidris minutaLC
A rare but eagerly sought autumn passage wader, appearing briefly at muddy scrapes and reservoir edges in August and September.
Aug–Sep
Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris melanotosLC
A rare transatlantic vagrant occasionally turning up at wetland sites in late summer. A prized find for local birders scanning wader flocks.
Jul–Sep
Red-necked Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatusLC
A rare September passage visitor, occasionally turning up at shallow pools and reservoir margins. A prized find for local birders.
Sep
Redshank
Tringa totanusLC
A year-round resident of wetlands and reservoir margins, often heard before seen with its distinctive piping alarm call. Numbers bolstered by passage birds in autumn.
Year-round
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpresLC
A rare inland passage migrant in May and August, usually found on reservoir edges. Primarily a coastal species, so local records are notable.
May–Aug
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
An uncommon visitor to wetland scrapes and reservoir margins, mainly on passage from late spring through autumn. Males in breeding plumage are rarely seen here.
Apr–Nov
Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
A rare inland passage migrant, occasionally recorded in May at reservoir margins and muddy scrapes.
May
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
A rare autumn passage visitor from August to October, occasionally seen at Old Moor and other Dearne Valley wetlands.
Aug–Oct
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
A scarce passage migrant in spring and late summer, briefly stopping at wetlands en route to northern breeding grounds.
Apr–Aug
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare breeder and passage bird, occasionally recorded at shallow pools and marshes in spring and late summer.
Apr–Sep