Common Sandpiper

The Quay at Clarecastle on the Fergus river is a regular wintering ground for Common Sandpipers. Most winters there are two birds at this stretch of the river Fergus. I dropped in today on high tide and this bird was feeding along the grassy edge on top of the pier.

 

Common Sandpiper at Clarecastle Quay © John N Murphy

Common Sandpiper

I was in Mayo on Saturday 9th July and came across small numbers of Common Sandpipers feeding along the sandy shores.  These birds probably bred locally but will soon be heading south to Africa for the winter.  Early to mid August we see large numbers of Common Sandpipers migrate down the west coast of Ireland.