For each species, a link is provided for further information, including recordings of calls. Click here for Water Birds galleries.
Red-necked Phalarope
In October 2020, we had a rare sighting at Pyles Mill – a Red-necked Phalarope.
They are small waders only 6.5”-7” * and are often seen swimming and picking food off the surface of the water.
The females are unusual as they are larger and more brightly coloured than the males. They lay the eggs but the male incubates and raises the chicks, while she may find another partner and, again, the new male incubates and raises the chicks. Once it is too late to breed, the females migrate; the males follow later once the rearing process is complete..
* the same size as a skylark or in comparison a sparrow is 5.5”-6”.