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Full Breakdown

Rare American Grackle Spotted at Liverpool's Speke Hall

4/25/2026, 2:39:51 PM

The Sighting: A Non-Migratory Bird in the United Kingdom

In late January, an American grackle was observed on The Meadows, a National Trust wetland adjoining Speke Hall in Liverpool. The bird, which does not normally migrate, is thought to have arrived after stowing away on a trans-Atlantic ship, traveling roughly 3,500 miles (5,600 km) from North America. This marks only the third confirmed grackle sighting in Britain.

Background on Grackles

Grackles are a family of 11 species native to the Americas. The great-tailed and boat-tailed grackles are the most likely candidates for the Liverpool bird; males of the great-tailed form have glossy black plumage with a purple-blue sheen, while females are brown.

Key Participants & Groups

Jackie Binks, an RSPB member and experienced birder, recorded the first confirmed sighting. Sarah Wiggins, senior marketing communications officer for the National Trust, coordinated public outreach and highlighted the bird’s impact on visitor numbers.

Timeline of the Observation

22 January, dusk: Binks saw the bird during a routine patch walk, photographed it and recorded its call.

Following days: She posted the media on a local WhatsApp group, where members identified the bird as a grackle.

Data & Statistics

Third confirmed grackle sighting in the UK.

Eleven grackle species exist worldwide.

Approximate trans-Atlantic travel distance: 3,500 miles (5,600 km).

Observation site: The Meadows, National Trust land near Speke Hall.

Official Statements & Responses

The National Trust said the arrival was a “really exciting time” for Speke Hall, noting that the ranger team had prepared perfect roosting conditions, that the bird attracted birdwatchers from across the country, and that it helped connect many people with Liverpool’s nature.

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

Observers have not agreed whether the bird is a great-tailed or boat-tailed grackle, indicating limited visual confirmation. Ongoing monitoring is required to verify the species and detect any further arrivals.

Verbatim Quotes

“It's just mega, it's only the third one for Britain so it's absolutely mega,” — Jackie Binks, RSPB member

“It was dusk on the 22nd of January and I was just doing my usual patch walk and I saw this bird.” — Jackie Binks, RSPB member

“It's a really exciting time for us at Speke Hall, the grackle arrived early in January and it's brought a lot of attention from a lot of different bird watchers and bird lovers from all over the country.” — Sarah Wiggins, National Trust

“really helped to connect a lot of people with our nature here in Liverpool” — Sarah Wiggins, National Trust

What's Next

The National Trust will keep monitoring The Meadows for additional avian visitors and maintain the habitat conditions that attracted the grackle. Birding groups are urged to report any further sightings to support scientific records.