American Golden Plover, Pluvialis dominica

Local status: Very rare vagrant

Despite five claims of this elegant American wader, only one has been accepted, which is perhaps surprising given the large numbers of Golden Plovers, Pluvialis apricaria, that pass through and indeed winter in the area. Further scrutiny of plover flocks should pay dividends in revealing the next record of this species.

Records:
2023: Raker Lake, Wheldrake, 17th to 20th October, Juvenile
(12) chris gomersall on X: “Nice to stumble across this little stunner nr Wheldrake this afternoon. About time we had one! #AGP @YorkBirding @LDV_NNR https://t.co/pKzLQyQpAc” / X

@birdingdad: York Yank

American Golden Plover at Raker Lakes, Wheldrake ©Chris Gomersall

2003: Bishopthorpe, 31st September to 7th October. Adult.

Unsubstantiated Records:
2008: North Duffield Carrs, 20th November. No description submitted.
2000: North Duffield Carrs, 18th February. No description submitted.
1995: Lower Derwent Valley, 21st August. Rejected.
1990: Bubwith Ings, 31st July. Rejected.