Having said this, these images were taken on the edge of a partially tidal lake - not really an estuary, but not far enough up into the freshwater to be a river - a real half way house.
For once, the scientific name of this bird makes obvious sense - Charadrius ruficapillus - even if "ruficapillus" actually does mean "red-haired". (Given the sort of hair my family have, this bird has just moved up a few places in my favourites list!)
This bird is in the same genus Ringed and Little-Ringed Plovers which are more widespread around the world.
At 14-16cm long this is not a large bird - but its fast running habits make it rather conspicuous at times. As you can see from the foot marks in the sand around this birds feet, there has been a lot of running in this area.
This chap is a male - the dark line at the "shoulder" and the clear black lines around the "fox red" cap separate him from the female.
Now its over to you - click on the link button below and off you go. Get your "editing heads" on as I think I'm going to use WBW 100 (in 3 weeks) as a chance for people to repost their favourite shot that they have shared through the first 100 WBWs. Cheers SM
so adorable!
ReplyDelete(favorite link-up? ugh!)
I am on the fly this morning so I will come back to comment tonight or tomorrow. Love your little Red Headed Plover ... I can see the resemblance :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
Nice to see your pictures! I think this bird only lives in Australia (I've used Wikipedia)
ReplyDeleteGreetings Pia
Love the photos Stewart. It always amazes me how long plover's legs are! They must be great at balancing. I would topple over.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty all decked out in glorious colors!!
ReplyDeleteps...100th WBW for you hosting already?!!! How exciting. Congrats Stewart
ReplyDeleteWhat a cutie!!!
ReplyDeleteVery distinguished head-dress.
ReplyDeleteHij staat er geweldig mooi op Stewart.
ReplyDeleteCute redheads Stewart!
ReplyDeleteThey have the best coloured heads. From Findlay
ReplyDeleteThey have the best coloured heads. From Findlay
ReplyDeleteSorry I have been missing for a week or two Stewart. An enforced holiday myou understand!
ReplyDeleteI often see the Red-capped Plover on Australian blogs and just as you comment, it is a obvious) relation to LRP and Ringed Plover. As such it is one i would love to experience but certainly will not. Just as well I have your super pictures to consult.
Good idea for a best of anniversary post. I know I've enjoyed this link up a lot. And learned a lot too.
ReplyDeleteGreat bird and photos.
ReplyDeleteCute bird and great photos.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo of the Red-capped Plover. I saw some out in western Queensland a couple of years ago - on one of the lakes out there - so I guess they will stay wherever there is enough water.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful little bird...
ReplyDeleteoh he is so cute!! beautiful photos of this little guy!
ReplyDeleteThe soft ochry red on his head and black line contrast create the cutest design on this gorgeous little one's face. Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart, he's a very smart looking fellow with his red cap :D)
ReplyDeleteGood looking bird! I like the black stripe running through the eyes!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird
ReplyDeletein lovely colors
He is a cute little bird, wonderful photos of him. I love his contrasting colours.
ReplyDeleteIt is a long time since I've seen a plover
ReplyDeletethe red-capped plover photos are really clear Stewart; it's not always easy to get up close enough...lovely series
ReplyDeleteA striking little shorebird! Great shots.
ReplyDeleteThis is another interesting plover in the series of plovers. And the name makes sense!:)
ReplyDeleteCool bird! Hope to see one some day.
ReplyDeleteHe's a handsome fella!
ReplyDeleteNice photos! What a pretty bird!
ReplyDeleteNice of him to pose for you so nicely. Well done Stewart.
ReplyDeleteLooks like he's wearing his winter watch cap. Nice shots. MB
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of this plover, this species is not in the Netherlands
ReplyDeletePerfect photographed Stewart, compliments.
Greetings Irma
So cute and colorful! I think I'm a plover lover...
ReplyDeleteNice photos Stewart!
Hi Stewart This is a lovely little bird to see and these are good shots. I have seen them up the central coast a few years ago but they were quite far away
ReplyDeleteSorry, I meant to also say. MANY THANKS FOR HOSTING'
ReplyDeletesuch a sweet looking bird!!
ReplyDeletePretty colors! Nice series!
ReplyDeleteDarling little bird with a red cap!
ReplyDeleteSplendid photographs of a beautiful Plover, Stewart!
ReplyDeleteI suspect you got a lot of sand in your shoes (and elsewhere!) to get these shots. Thank you for sharing a new species for me.
Have a great weekend!
What a cute little fellow!
ReplyDeleteLovely little redhead!
ReplyDeleteExcellent Plover photos, love it.
ReplyDeletei just found this page through a fellow blogger at sky friday: such great photos, and a wonderful variety. thanks for sharing all those winged moments. greetings from Germany!
ReplyDeleteOh just love the red head on this little fluff ball -- what a beautiful plover.
ReplyDeleteI love his crop of short rusty red "hair"...he's adorable! I joined in again, just a short "teaser" from our Madera Canyon trip. There' will be many more pictures to come!
ReplyDeleteNicely colored bird. Our representatives mostly lack such highlights.
ReplyDeleteA charming bird, Stewart and one I missed out on during my Australian trip. More than a passing resemblance to the Black Fronted Dotterel which stole my heart!
ReplyDeleteWhat a striking plover and great photos of the little guy, Stewart. We have nothing like this bird here. I am thinking of becoming envious of your colorful specimens.
ReplyDeleteit´s a beautiful little plover. :)
ReplyDelete