Lapwing
Above: Lapwing in sun.
Below: Lapwing in shade
Lapwings are resident birds in the UK although their numbers can swell significantly in winter when they form
large flocks. Numbers have declined considerably over the last few decades but they still seem to be around
in significant numbers and are usually very easy to find and photograph. They can be found most easily in wet areas
but in summer they can also be spotted in farmers fields.
They can often appear as having black or very dark grey back and wings but when in sunlight, they show a mixture of green and
purple iridescence that is truly beautiful. Their head and neck is mostly white, with the crown, front of the face and chin
being black. There is a prominent tuft of feathers at the back of the head that curls upwards. They have a black breast band,
a pure white belly and an orange patch under the tail. Legs are pink and the short beak is black. In flight they look like their
bent wings are too big for them and as they swoop they make a soft whooping sound that
I could listen to all day.
In the North West you can see and photograph lapwing at lots of places, such as Marshside, Southport, - Martin Mere, -
Pennington Flash, Leigh, - Neumann's Flash, Marston, - Inner Marsh Farm, Burton, - Leighton Moss RSPB, - Conwy RSPB and
probably many others.
Good light and probably some early morning or late evening sunshine is best for photographing these birds as the
iridescent colours in the feathers will not show up without it and that would be a pity. As with all bird pictures, the
closer you can get the better your picture is likely to be. In autumn and winter I recommend Horrocks hide at Pennington Flash
where the birds gather on the rocky shore of the flash just in front of the hide. The sun is in a good position here for the
whole morning and early afternoon. In summer, I prefer Neumann's Flash where a pair usually breed just near the
eastern hide and you can watch them drive off any other birds, even large birds, in defence of their chick. Mornings are
essential, on sunny days,
for photography at this hide as in the afternoon the sun will be behind your subject.
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