Purple Sandpiper

📍 Local Expert Tip

“At Shoreham Harbour, birds regularly roost at high tide on the old wooden jetty on the west side but can be hard to spot. Shortly before and after high tide, birds can feed relatively close on the concrete ledges of the western harbour arm.”

🔍 Overview

A hardy wader of rocky shorelines, wintering in small numbers along the Sussex coast.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Dark slate-grey plumage

Short yellow legs and slightly downcurved bill

Confiding and often seen feeding on seaweed-covered rocks

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Favoured locations are Brighton Marina, Shoreham Harbour during November–March.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Soft “trrrt” call. Tame and approachable, often in small groups.