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Birds of a feather Birds of a feather
(7 months later)
Whatever the season, the machair is alive with birds. In spring and summer it is the story of singles and then pairs, as individuals sing and perform their aerial displays to advertise their worth as breeding partners. In autumn and winter it is about flocks both large and small, as resident birds congregate and are joined by others who have flown in from the north to find an easier winter.Whatever the season, the machair is alive with birds. In spring and summer it is the story of singles and then pairs, as individuals sing and perform their aerial displays to advertise their worth as breeding partners. In autumn and winter it is about flocks both large and small, as resident birds congregate and are joined by others who have flown in from the north to find an easier winter.
Today 100 or so lapwing are roosting in a field adjacent to the machair track. All facing the same direction, they stand motionless, apart from the occasional shift of position from a restless bird. Much as I dislike the idea of disturbing a resting flock, I’m going to have to pass close to them. Hoping to appear less of a threat, I turn my head slightly away and look down, shooting a sidelong glance now and again to see if there is any sign of unease among the lapwing.Today 100 or so lapwing are roosting in a field adjacent to the machair track. All facing the same direction, they stand motionless, apart from the occasional shift of position from a restless bird. Much as I dislike the idea of disturbing a resting flock, I’m going to have to pass close to them. Hoping to appear less of a threat, I turn my head slightly away and look down, shooting a sidelong glance now and again to see if there is any sign of unease among the lapwing.
Related: Country diary: Sandy, Bedfordshire: Golden plovers in a flight dilemma
As I draw closer to them I am amazed to realise that they are not the only birds present and that in front of them are an almost equal number of golden plover, the rich tones of their summer colouring now replaced by a more cryptic winter plumage which makes them surprisingly difficult to pick out in the dull winter light.As I draw closer to them I am amazed to realise that they are not the only birds present and that in front of them are an almost equal number of golden plover, the rich tones of their summer colouring now replaced by a more cryptic winter plumage which makes them surprisingly difficult to pick out in the dull winter light.
While the lapwing remain steadfast, the plover are more concerned as I pass by. In a ripple of movement like the passage of a breeze over the surface of a pool, the entire flock takes a few nervous steps away, but still they do not take flight. Not, that is, until the unexpected arrival of a speeding gang of starlings startles all the birds into the air in a clatter of wings.While the lapwing remain steadfast, the plover are more concerned as I pass by. In a ripple of movement like the passage of a breeze over the surface of a pool, the entire flock takes a few nervous steps away, but still they do not take flight. Not, that is, until the unexpected arrival of a speeding gang of starlings startles all the birds into the air in a clatter of wings.
Almost as soon as they’re airborne they form two distinct groups, and those that, having mingled while on the ground, find themselves flying momentarily with the wrong species extricate themselves quickly and dash after their companions.Almost as soon as they’re airborne they form two distinct groups, and those that, having mingled while on the ground, find themselves flying momentarily with the wrong species extricate themselves quickly and dash after their companions.
The lapwing head off on broad wings into the distance and, surprisingly, it is the plover which, after circling cautiously overhead, soon drift back down to the very place they had just left so abruptly.The lapwing head off on broad wings into the distance and, surprisingly, it is the plover which, after circling cautiously overhead, soon drift back down to the very place they had just left so abruptly.