This was quick hour focussed on watching lapwings. There was a large noisy flock on the flooded gravel pit. Some level of competition was going on, with individuals taking off and landing in different spots, causing some friction with the sessile birds resulting sometimes in ground being yielded, sometimes in a return to flight.
There were no pairs flying together yet.
Occasionally the flock would become airborne in unison. They weave long formations, perhaps 4 or 5 birds deep. Suspended over the water or trees, it is difficult to see a pattern in the collective movements. However, when they flew more purposively away from the pond, I had a sense of some synchrony in their wing beats, caught as a simultaneous flash of white against the grey clouds. Its hard to tell by eye though.
Spot the interloper, the non-lapwing
Is that a duck or a goose in the lower left? Great lapwings, I have tried to draw them in the past – because of the crazy way they fly. Not mastered it yet.
Sadly not. It was a cormorant drying its wings, but I agree, could be anything.
You have a very dry sense of humour, Kes. Are you from Liverpool originally? Only kidding – i think youre a great draughtsman. Best wishes, Jo
You deserve the title Bird Whisperer, Kestralart. I begin thinking of your work I’ve seen when I watch the birds in my yard.