Yes, there are several species of sandpipers that can be found in Ireland during certain times of the year. Sandpipers are a type of shorebird in the family Scolopacidae. They are medium-sized birds with long legs and bills that feed along muddy shorelines and wetlands.
Common Sandpiper
The most widespread and commonly seen sandpiper in Ireland is the Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos). This species breeds in small numbers across Ireland near wetlands, rivers, and lakes from April to August. Then most individuals migrate south to Africa for the winter.
Common Sandpipers can be identified by their brown upperparts, white underparts, and distinctive bobbing motion when walking. Their wings have white bars visible in flight. They feed by probing in soft mud for insects, worms, and crustaceans.
Green Sandpiper
The Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) is an uncommon but regular passage migrant in Ireland, seen during the spring and fall migration seasons. It does not breed in Ireland but passes through wetlands and along rivers and lakeshores during migration between its wintering grounds in Africa and breeding areas in northern Europe and Asia.
Distinctive features of Green Sandpipers include dark greenish upperparts, white underparts, bold white supercilium eyebrow stripes, and faint breast streaks. It often bobs its rear up and down when feeding and has a loud, ringing flight call.
Wood Sandpiper
The Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) is another species that can be found in Ireland primarily as a spring and fall passage migrant. It is more strongly associated with boggy areas compared to other Irish waders. Small numbers pass through wetlands across Ireland during migration, but it is an uncommon visitor.
This sandpiper has a bold white supercilium, white underparts with some delicate spotting on the breast, and white outer tail feathers that are noticeable in flight. It feeds by wading in shallow water and probing in mud.
Other Vagrant Species
Rarer sandpiper species that may turn up in Ireland as vagrants or accidental visitors include:
- Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)
- Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)
- Temminck’s Stint (Calidris temminckii)
- Ruff (Calidris pugnax)
- Broad-billed Sandpiper (Calidris falcinellus)
These species may arrive after being blown off course during migration or expanding their normal ranges. But they are rare and irregular in Ireland compared to the regular Common, Green, and Wood Sandpipers.
Migration Patterns
The migration timing and patterns of Ireland’s sandpipers are as follows:
| Species | Spring Migration | Fall Migration |
|---|---|---|
| Common Sandpiper | April to May | July to September |
| Green Sandpiper | Late March to May | July to October |
| Wood Sandpiper | April to May | July to October |
The spring migration brings the birds back to Ireland and northern breeding areas after spending the winter in Africa. In fall, the birds migrate south again to their wintering grounds. The Common Sandpiper has the shortest migration periods as it both winters and breeds nearer to Ireland.
Best Places to See Sandpipers
Some top sites in Ireland to observe sandpipers during migration periods include:
- The Shannon Callows – flooded grasslands along the River Shannon used by Green and Common Sandpipers
- Lough Neagh – large lake attractive to migrating waders
- The Curragh – expansive wet grassland habitat in County Kildare
- Ballycotton Marsh – coastal wetland complex in County Cork
- Tacumshin Lake – shallow lake with surrounding marshes in County Wexford
Sandpipers favor wetland habitats with muddy shorelines where they can easily probe and feed. Slowly walking along riverbanks, lake edges, wet meadows, and intertidal mudflats provides the best chance to observe their distinctive bobbing movements.
Threats and Conservation
Sandpipers that migrate through or breed in Ireland face a variety of threats, including:
- Habitat loss due to wetland drainage and development
- Disturbance from recreation and human activity
- Pollution from agricultural runoff and other sources
- Climate change altering habitat and conditions along migration routes
- Predation from expanding populations of foxes, mink, and avian predators
Protecting remaining wetland habitats and reducing disturbance during breeding season and migration are important conservation priorities. Several sandpiper species have experienced population declines, making monitoring and safeguarding their habitats essential.
Conclusion
Ireland hosts a diversity of sandpiper species, especially during the spring and fall migration periods. The Common Sandpiper is widespread during summer breeding months. While Green and Wood Sandpipers pass through in smaller numbers during migration on their way between Africa and northern breeding grounds. With some luck and a watchful eye along Ireland’s shorelines, wet grasslands, and shallow lakes, observers can spot the bobbing movements and dashing flights of these elegant shorebirds.
