Stone Curlew, Burhinus oedicnemus

Local status: Very rare passage migrant

This species bred on the Yorkshire Wolds until the early part of the 20th Century, disappearing as the population declined and the species’ range contracted. It is now a true rarity in Yorkshire and only one bird has been recorded in the York area in the last fifty years. This bird was found in the main meadow at Wheldrake Ings during the evening, and was relocated nearby on Elvington Airfield the following morning. It was last seen flying low towards the southern end of the airfield.

Records:
1982: Wheldrake Ings – Elvington Airfield, 9th and 10th August.