Celebrated the vernal equinox this morning by walking up Chapel fell in Weardale to watch lapwings perform their death-defying spring courtship aerobatics.
Lovely wild sounds made by their calls and wings - listen here (click on 11th. and 12th. recordings on the list).
I had the pleasure of displaying Lapwings at Druridge this morning also. Absolutely superb flyers and they utter brilliant noises too. And a bit of sunshine to highlight them. I'm sure you had as good a morning as i did.
ReplyDeleteLapwing displays are always one of the highlights of the year for me. Good to see them back - there must have been 40-50 on the lower slopes of Chapel Fell. Golden plover, redshank and curlew too - spring has definitely sprung!
DeleteIt is so many years since I saw more than just a few Llapwings. Lovely images Phil.
ReplyDeleteThey do seem to be making a bit of a comeback here - hope it continues!
DeleteNot as many Lapwings around this year in our area but about 15 years ago they nested in the middle of a roundabout on the M65 motorway.
ReplyDeleteWe rarely see the big winter flocks that were common 15-20 years ago
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