This abnormally dark coloured Common Redshank is a handsome and striking bird and may be seen on the rising tide at Cartron Marsh.

First observed by Séamus Feeney and Don Cotton on the 16th February, this bird fed with Redshanks (which  harassed it regularly as it fed), was of similar size and proportions and looked very similar to them structurally.  The cause of the dark colour is unknown, and may be a sporadic case of partial melanism (excessive production of dark pigment in some feather groups).