03/03/25 - Black-tailed Godwit increase

A species which is now a highlight in the Lower Derwent Valley each spring is the Black-tailed Godwit, which has increased dramatically in recent years and now occurs earlier than previously. During the early 1990s spring passage flocks increased from 20–30 birds to flocks of up to 100, often appearing for just a day in late April and early May. However, since then, as the Icelandic breeding population has grown, numbers here have also increased, with peak counts now usually occurring in March. This year up to 200 have been present from early February with 543 recorded over the weekend at Wheldrake Ings, with further birds expected to arrive and build up over the coming weeks. These birds are usually best looked for at either Wheldrake Ings or North Duffield Carrs, with the spring passage flocks of summer plumaged birds a real spectacle – last year numbers peaked at 1,120 on the 20th March at Wheldrake Ings – certainly one to look out for on your next visit.