Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
A common and distinctive bird in much of southern Europe but a rare vagrant to the UK, where it has occasionally bred.
One individual arrived as an immature in Northumberland in July 1993 and then relocated to Snettisham in Norfolk about two weeks later. Much to everyone's surprise it remained in Norfolk, usually at Titchwell, for nearly 12 years. This is especially surprising given that this is normally a migratory species. Sammy, as he became known, was a popular attraction throughout his stay and it is estimated that he was seen by at least half a million people. He was last seen in May 2005 when he is presumed to have perished. The first few photos below all relate to this individual; some more from further afield follow.
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male Black-winged Stilt, Titchwell (Norfolk, UK), 11th August 2004
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male Black-winged Stilt, Titchwell (Norfolk, UK), 9th September 2004
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The following photos are taken from within their normal range:
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The American counterpart, Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus, used to be treated as a race of Black-winged Stilt but is now usually regarded as a separate species. |

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