If you read our report on the rare sighting of the Wilson’s Phalarope in Yarmouth last week, you may be interested in this update.
Derek Hale who runs the IOW Birds Website (and also happens to be YouTuber Wight 2000) confirmed that the bird was discovered by Will Henderson on the 18th June.
As previously reported, the news spread fast and several local birders dashed over to see it until the evening light gave out.
“An exciting species for UK birdwatchers”
An RSPB spokesperson told OnTheWight,
“This is an exciting species for UK birdwatchers as it is quite rare for them to turn up on our shores, so great to see. It is a bird that breeds in the interior of North America and winters in South America.”
Blown off-course during migration?
Derek confirmed that this is the first time this species has been recorded on the Island, although several turn up each year elsewhere in the UK. They are usually seen in Spring or Autumn in rather drab “greyish” plumage.
He suggested the bird, which is native to North America may have been blown off-course during migration.
Apparently the bird was an adult female in full summer plumage, which he says, is very unusual.
“Gender reversal” breeding strategy
Derek went on to explain that Phalaropes have an interesting “gender reversal” breeding strategy. The female who is brightly coloured lays the eggs, but then leaves the incubation and chick rearing to the duller male! Apparently, the female then goes off to find other males and repeat the process.
The bird stayed till the 23rd June (Last recorded at about 18.30) but could not be found the next day.
Many mainland birders and the usual “twitchers” came over to see it including Lee Evens, the UK’s top birder.
Image: © Used with permission of IOW Birds
