First Curlew Sandpiper recorded after two decades
Last seen in 2001, the Curlew Sandpiper made its return to our main lake on 17 September 2025.
Curlew Sandpiper image taken by visitor Peter Gilfillan.
A remarkable sighting delighted birdwatchers on September 17 as a Curlew Sandpiper was spotted on the main lake, viewed from the WWF hide. The bird was seen feeding among a group of Shovelers, a striking moment for visitors and staff alike.
This marks the first confirmed sighting of a Curlew Sandpiper at the Wetland Centre in over two decades. The species was last recorded here in 2001, when two were observed on 5 September, followed by another on 21 October the same year.
Curlew Sandpipers are small, elegant waders that breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate thousands of miles to Africa for the winter. They are scarce passage migrants in the UK, typically seen along the east and south coasts, making inland records like this especially noteworthy.
The return of the Curlew Sandpiper after 24 years highlights the importance of wetlands as vital stopover sites during migration. With autumn migration now in full swing, it’s a reminder of the incredible journeys many birds undertake and the surprises that await those who spend time watching the water.
