Another migratory wader occurring on passage in Britain, although in small numbers. The bill is broad laterally, often not apparent in the
field but the length and distinctive downcurved tip are, likewise the head pattern. It breeds in discrete regions of the Arctic tundra,
usually marshy areas, wintering on a broad front from the Middle East and East Africa to Australia. The nearest breeding area is in
northern Scandinavia, which accounts for British records, although it is generally quite a scarce bird. However, there have been birds
which seem to return to the same migration site for several years running, although this is becoming less frequent. As well as the bill,
which is only broad from certain angles, the head pattern is distinctive. The right-hand bird is one of several records from Frampton, my local reserve.
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