Some of the 51 Golden Plover, which look like the northern race, on Heldre Hill today. Found thanks to information from Ken Clarke.
The male Orange Tip was much more difficult to photograph. They seem to rarely settle, and I was lucky that when the sun went in it rested with wings folded, and I marked the spot. It was obstructed by heather branches, but I had time to fetch a step ladder and perch on it. Twenty minutes later, the sun returned, it gradually spread its wings, and in 5 seconds it had flown!
Thanks Ken and Chris. When Clare and I saw them an hour ago, they were right by the road and busy feeding, in glorious breeding plumage. Just within the county boundary, and within 2 miles of Bridge Cottage (and thus qualifying for the our 'within 2 miles of home' list!)
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see all those Golden Plover in breeding plumage Chris - would love to have seen them. Great photos too.
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