Twitching the Dotterel at South Anston: A Memorable Outing with Colin and Dave
There’s something magical about chasing a rare bird, especially when the company is good, the setting is perfect, and the bird is a real gem. This was exactly the case when Colin Green, Dave Gray, and I made a recent trip to South Anston in South Yorkshire to twitch a Dotterel on our way to a bit of FA Vase football action at Thackley AFC near Bradford. For birders like us, this wasn’t just any ordinary outing; it was a chance to see a species that has become increasingly elusive during the spring months, making its appearance all the more special.
The Decline of Spring ‘Trips’
Dotterels, once regular visitors during their spring migration, have become harder to find in recent years. Their numbers during the traditional spring ‘trips’ have notably declined, possibly due to changes in migration patterns or habitat availability. In the past, it wasn’t uncommon to hear of several Dotterel sightings across lowland farmland, particularly pea fields and upland areas, where they would pause during their journey to their breeding grounds in Scotland and Scandinavia. Nowadays, however, we tend to see them more frequently as autumn passage migrants, making their way back south after the breeding season.
With this shift in timing, the opportunity to observe these charismatic birds in spring has become rarer, adding a sense of urgency and excitement to any sighting. When news broke of a Dotterel at South Anston, it didn’t take much convincing for Colin, Dave, and me to plan our visit.
Spotting the Dotterel
We arrived at South Anston, binoculars and scopes at the ready and directions in the bag, courtesy of Mark Reeder. The site was a mix of farmland and open fields, typical of the kind of habitat that Dotterels might favour for a brief stopover. After some scanning of the area, we finally located the bird, a single Dotterel foraging among the stubble on a recently harvested field. The thrill of the chase was replaced by the joy of the find, and we set about getting a better look.
Clinching the ID: The Nils van Duivendijk Guide
Identifying a Dotterel is usually straightforward enough, but this bird had us delving into our guidebooks, especially given its state of moult. Thankfully, we had the new Nils van Duivendijk ID guide on hand, which will quickly become an essential tool for birders. The guide’s detailed descriptions and illustrations helped us clinch the ID as a moulting male, a treat for the eyes and a learning experience rolled into one. I used the pdf version downloaded onto my iPhone 15 Pro Max
We noted the broad, white breast band, which was still fairly distinct despite the bird’s transition between plumages. The belly had a faded, peachy-orange hue, a feature typical of males but less vibrant than in full breeding plumage. The wings and back were a mosaic of worn, adult feathers mixed with some freshly moulted ones, creating a patchwork effect that was both striking and informative.
The Nils van Duivendijk guide was invaluable in piecing together these clues. It provided the reassurance we needed to confirm that this was indeed a moulting male Dotterel, allowing us to appreciate the bird’s subtle beauty even more. Each of us took turns studying the bird, marveling at how such a delicate creature could undertake such an arduous journey, and yet look so composed in its moment of rest.
Reflecting on the Experience
As we packed up our gear and prepared to head home, the significance of the day began to sink in. Twitching a Dotterel, especially in spring, felt like a rare privilege, a reminder of the ever-changing nature of bird migration and the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise. It was also a moment to appreciate the camaraderie that comes with birding, sharing the experience with friends like Colin and Dave, who are always ready for the next adventure.
While it’s true that Dotterels may be declining in their spring appearances, the thrill of the chase remains as strong as ever. And with tools like the Nils van Duivendijk guide, we can continue to deepen our understanding and appreciation of these remarkable birds. As we left South Anston, the memory of that Dotterel stayed with us, a reminder of why we keep chasing, keep watching, and keep learning.
Up in Bradford, Thackley AFC got dumped out of the FA Vase at the First Qualifying Round 1-3 by a very hardworking Colne side who hadn’t had a great start to the season and who, until today hadn’t won and who had been on the end of a few very heavy defeats.
Until the next trip, and the next bird.