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Vanellus vanellus
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.
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).
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.
4 Comments
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 :)
Very pretty bird.
Great pictures Laura! Love the sound they make =)
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.