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Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

Photo by LauraMaria
Published on Project Noah
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51.8931, 0.904629

Field Notes

Description:

A very distinct plover, with its flicked crest, black mask and purple/green wings. Also very distinct looking in flight. There are several individuals that live along the estuary here, and have been here all year. They have slowly become used to humans, which allows me to get closer to them.

Habitat:

These birds are most often found near farmland and breed on these lowland areas. They are also sometimes found in wetland areas, and the ones I see live on the estuary (note there is a meadow behind the estuary, where they perhaps breed).

Notes:

I have seen these individuals all year round, they live on a stretch of the estuary where a footpath runs alongside it. They used to be very shy of humans, and my earlier spottings from summer showed them from a distance. They are still a little easily spooked, but don't mind me getting right up to the railings on the footpath any more.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)
LauraMaria
Thank you all! Stian, they do indeed make a really cute sound! And that's an interesting story, Alvaro! This one seems to be here all year round, whatever the weather :)
Stian Waaler
Great pictures Laura! Love the sound they make =)
AlvaroMartinZarzuela
In Spain come in winter, and here is a sign of a cold. Here has a proverb. "Cuando las neveras van pa abajo, pastorcicos mucho trabajo y cuando las neveras van pa arriba pastorcicos buena vida", translate; "When Northern Lapwing are going down, pastors lot of work and when going up pastors fridges good life". The Northern Lapwing come here when in the north of europe it´s cold and they go out when the heat is near.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
WILD Cities: Urban Biodiversity
Mission
Birds of the World
Mission
Birds of the Colne Estuary
Mission
Birds of Britain

Tags

Photographed
PublishedFebruary 7, 2012

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