Spotted Sandpiper at Ashworth Moor Reservoir on 10th August 1979. A Species New to Greater Manchester

Ashworth Moor Reservoir is a rather bleak hill reservoir in the north of the county, with most of the shoreline comprising of a sloping embankment lined with stone blocks. At 11:00 a.m. on the 10th August the weather was becoming dull after a sunny spell, although visibility was still good with little wind. On the south-west side of the Reservoir there was a flock of 150 Lapwings resting and it was whilst observing these that a small wader was seen to fly from the water's edge and land at the bottom of the stone embankment at a distance of approximately 15 yards. Detailed notes of the bird were taken, but the overall impression was of its similarity to a Common Sandpiper, although most striking feature was the quite conspicuous dark spots on the otherwise light grey underparts, comparable to a thrush's breast. The bird was seen to fly on several occasions and when at rest "bobbed" in a similar manner to a Common Sandpiper- there were several other species of wader present at the Reservoir at the same time, but this bird did not appear to associate with any of them. A return visit to the Reservoir on the 13th August failed to locate the bird again.

It was concluded that the bird was infact an adult Spotted Sandpiper in summer plumage- the record has been submitted and accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee.

Dr. J. B. Sykes