Wood Sandpiper

Thursday 1st May 2025

A hot sunny morning starting off at 12°C as I paid a visit to Thornton Moor Reservoir often known as TMR, which is a Yorkshire Water site with no access to the public.  Fortunately for me members of the Bradford Ornithology Group (BOG) have been given permit access to the site through a couple of locked gates.  On this occasion there were issues with both these gates which discouraged me from taking my car on to the site, but thinking nothing ventured I parked up in the usual area. I thought if I'm quick the access issues would not end up with my car being locked in to the site.

  I walked up the track to the Reservoir wall from where I could see loads of exposed shore line which gave me encouragement as I spotted a bird at the edge of the water.  The sun was behind it but I thought is that a Wood Sandpiper!!, I took some record pictures and headed round the res.  With the sun now on the bird I was sure I was right and began taking pictures so I could later confirm the sighting.  This was a lifer for me but with the access issues I had to rush off but pleased I took the risk as I came off site without a problem.

Wood Sandpiper

Wood Sandpiper at TMR 1/5/2025