Wednesday, 18 March 2015

Wild Bird Wednesday 139 - Masked Lapwing

This is another bird from my recent trip to Churchill Island, and another set of pictures taken using the car as a hide.

This bird is a Masked Lapwing - or Vanellus miles.  This individual is an example of the species of bird that used to be called "The Spurwing Plover", but has now been 'downgraded' to a race of the species  V. miles.  

 The yellow wattle that hangs from the face is flexible, and I think this one has the lower part of one of the wattles tucked up under the other.

I have to say I really like the colour palette of these images.




Now its your turn - click on the blue button below and off you go.

(I feel the need to apologise for may slowness in replying to many of your comments - things are very, very busy here at present! SM)


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42 comments:

  1. EG CameraGirl18 March 2015 at 03:06

    Interesting yellow mask on its face. And you thought YOU were the one who was hiding. ;)

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  2. Adam Jones18 March 2015 at 03:06

    That is one smart looking bird. The colours are superb.

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  3. theconstantwalker18 March 2015 at 03:09

    A lovely bird Stewart... thanks for sharing.

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  4. Sallie (FullTime-Life)18 March 2015 at 03:10

    The pictures are perfect indeed with the wildflowers picking up the yellow mask on their faces. Gorgeous bird perfectly posed for you.

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  5. Carletta18 March 2015 at 03:14

    I too think the colors make this an attractive bird.
    I like how the yellow wattle picks up the yellow in the flowers dotted on the ground. Just noticed Sallie said that too. :)
    I'm thinking your car is a probably is a nicer warmer blind than most!

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  6. Brian King18 March 2015 at 03:24

    I've always like the yellow "mask" on these guys! They're kind of odd looking, too.

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  7. FAB18 March 2015 at 03:35

    The background colour certainly makes this interesting species pop.

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  8. Breathtaking18 March 2015 at 03:57

    I like the colour too Stewart! Great captures of the Masked Lapwing, ..another bird new to me.

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  9. Kenneth Cole Schneider18 March 2015 at 03:58

    What a striking bird! Thanks for hosting us!

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  10. A Colorful World18 March 2015 at 04:01

    They are exquisite shots! I love the colors of the lapwing and its surroundings. Such an interesting bird, too!

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  11. TexWisGirl18 March 2015 at 04:19

    such a neat and kind of goofy-looking bird! :)

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  12. Anonymous18 March 2015 at 04:49

    A great-looking bird in his natty plumage. I really like that black neck stripe. The yellow flowers in the photo are just perfect.

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  13. Mary Hone18 March 2015 at 04:58

    What an interesting bird, and yes, nice colors.

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  14. Margaret Birding For Pleasure18 March 2015 at 05:43

    A nice bird at a distance I remember getting too close and got attached!

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  15. Jo18 March 2015 at 05:53

    Hi Stewart, always amazing photos of birds you see. This Lapwing reminds me of our Wattled Starling! Thanks for taking the time to share your sightings. Jo

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  16. Andrea @ From The Sol18 March 2015 at 06:38

    Very unusual bird ... of course I am seeing things that arn't there, like an old man with a large schnoz, a weak chin and a toupee. But in the bird world, which is, afterall where he is, he is amazing and handsome. So glad you hid in your car so you could get these pictures ... it was well worth your effort.

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  17. Findlay Wilde18 March 2015 at 07:35

    It's like a cross between a ringed lover and a lapwing. A very interesting looking bird.

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  18. Unknown18 March 2015 at 09:12

    Stewart, you have the most adorable birds there!!!!...:)JP

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  19. Anonymous18 March 2015 at 14:27

    These are quite striking birds. The neutral background dotted with yellow flowers provides the perfect backdrop for your Masked Lapwing. Thanks for hosting! I know what you mean about busy, I've had a hard time keeping up lately, too.

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  20. Anonymous18 March 2015 at 16:24

    Lovely birds, Thanks for all your work on the site!

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  21. Bas.18 March 2015 at 19:40

    je kreeg de volle medewerking.

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  22. Ana Mínguez Corella18 March 2015 at 21:27

    Wonderful bird.. Great shot.. Cheers..

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  23. Alasandra, The Cats and Dogs 18 March 2015 at 22:25

    The yellow flowers go great with the Masked Lapwing's beak. Great Pictures.

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  24. Hootin' Anni18 March 2015 at 22:50

    Very attractive bird!!! And colorful. I also like the name of the island.

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  25. Author R. Mac Wheeler18 March 2015 at 23:55

    ahhh...Mother gifts us in so many ways, no matter by what name. (color WAS cool)

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  26. Florida Farm Girl19 March 2015 at 01:17

    What a stunning bird. I also love the color palate. Couldn't ask for better.

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  27. Millie and Walter19 March 2015 at 01:52

    What a striking bird. I like how there are yellow flowers on the ground that match the birds color.

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  28. Phil Slade19 March 2015 at 01:55

    That is a really attractive plover Stuart. You have some lovely shots there by using the car. I'm trying to recall if I saw this species in Malaysia or if I'm getting confused with a similar red wattled one in India. Think I need to consult my books.

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  29. This N That19 March 2015 at 02:07

    Love the colors as well..Little flecks of green and yellow in an otherwise drab setting..Great flow.Cool bird..Who is that masked bird??

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  30. Hootin' Anni19 March 2015 at 07:46

    ps....Stewart, I'm doing very well! Thanks for asking.

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  31. Celestina Marie19 March 2015 at 08:17

    Such a bright and cheerful bird. You captured some great shots.
    CM

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  32. Lois19 March 2015 at 12:08

    A handsome bird and another one that is new to me!

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  33. Mary Howell Cromer19 March 2015 at 21:47

    I do not always think bird and butterfly names go along with their looks, but this lovely bird matches up swell for it's name~
    Thank you!

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  34. Anonymous20 March 2015 at 02:03

    What lovely shots.

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  35. Montanagirl20 March 2015 at 02:13

    I really like these! What a beauty he is. I too, like the colors in these photos.

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  36. Black Jack's Carol20 March 2015 at 02:53

    These are wonderful photos of a fascinating bird, Stewart. Yet another that I had never heard of, so many thanks for the lesson! I also very much enjoyed reading your "Wild" interview.

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  37. Linda aka Crafty Gardener20 March 2015 at 05:42

    fantastic colour markings on this bird

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  38. CountryMouse21 March 2015 at 12:22

    These fellows hang out with us when we have our Friday BBQ at the wharf to farewell our students. They are rather interesting looking birds.

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  39. Anonymous22 March 2015 at 21:00

    Gorgeous shots of the lapwing!

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  40. Jutta.K.22 March 2015 at 21:01

    A wonderful bird and a great color combination of bird and background, I love it!
    My contribution is online.
    Greetings from germany

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  41. Bethany Carson25 March 2015 at 02:24

    As Sallie mentioned, I like how the yellow in the bird's face matches the yellow in the flowers.

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  42. Pat Tillett25 March 2015 at 07:31

    I guess he wears the mask to hide his true identity. Nice photos Stewart!

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