Lapwings are one of my favourite wading birds. I think they have such beautiful plumage and the feathery plume on their heads is really elegant. I used to see huge flocks of them when I lived in the Lincolnshire Fens and it was wonderful to watch them swoop and dive in formation.
I think you will agree, this is a really handsome specimen and it was fun to watch it feeding along the shore, picking its way between the ducks and other waders. I like the first image with the bird looking out across the lake, you get a really clear view of its plume which reminds me a bit of the hoods that you would use for a falcon or hawk.
I used to see large flocks of Lapwings when I was younger but seem to see fewer of them now, this lone bird was patrolling the edge of the mere searching the muddy shoreline for scraps of food. I think this is a female, in winter plumage and she was constantly on the move and in these cold conditions I am sure the search for food never stops. I love the wispy crest, the gorgeous green feathers on her back and the markings on her face. I am amazed that a bird that spends so much time paddling around in the mud can keep its white feathers so clean and crisp.
When I was in my teens I lived in the Lincolnshire Fens and I would see vast flocks of these birds and I always loved to watch them whirling and swooping across the fields and salt marsh.
They are such attractive birds. When you see them flying they look like they're mainly black and white but up close you can see their beautiful green backs, their masked face and shiny black bibs and wings.
You can tell that it was a windy day by looking at the wispy feathers on the head blowing upwards.
So why do I say the bird was named thrice? well if you include the Latin (Vanellus vanellus) it actually has four names. Its commonly known as a Lapwing but it is also called the Green Plover (it is after all Europe's largest plover) it is also called a Pee-wit after its distinctive call.
