The island of South Ronaldsay is connected to the Mainland (of Orkney) by a series of barriers - Churchill Barriers - that were build in the 1940s to protect the anchorage of Scapa Flow. These barriers changed the flow of water in and out of Scapa Flow, and on the east side of Churchill Barrier 4 which connects South Ronaldsay to Burray, a beach has formed.
This beach is now how to Little Terns, which we watched but could not photograph and Ringed Plovers, which we could.
There was at least one pair of these active little waders dashing about on the beach, and with a slow, indirect, approach we were able to get close enough to them to take some pictures.
The Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) is a small bird, only about 18 - 20cm long. These were some of the best views I have had of this species.
You may not be surprised to find out that you can join in with WBW by clicking on the blue button below the thumbnails! SM
A very nice plover.
ReplyDeleteA very nice plover.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful little birds! I like the mask!
ReplyDeleteWell named bird - the ringed head is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteNice little one ,Nette
ReplyDeleteThey remind me of our Semipalmated Plovers, which have partially webbed feet. They are well-camouflaged as they forage in the wrack.
ReplyDeletelove the sweet little plovers. I will be back someday -- cities aren't great bird watching places; we'll get out there eventually.
ReplyDeleteMemories there Stewart. It's a good number of years since I stayed a week at the North Ron Obs. Caught Long-eared Owl, Yellow brows and Waxwing, not to mentiona Pine Bunting. Saw lots of RPs too and I remember the sighting of Scapa Flow as something quite special and moving.
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart, your Ringed Plove ris an adorable bird. Awesome series of photos. Thanks for hosting, have a happy week ahead!
ReplyDeleteThey are cuties.
ReplyDeleteReally lovely little bird!
ReplyDeleteGood shots of the plover. I like your focus.
ReplyDeletePretty little birds! Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing one of my favourite little waders and you can nearly not see him in his surrounding which is brilliant for him. Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteWonderful images...
ReplyDeleteHey Stewart! Great photos!
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with you.
What fabulous camouflage this one has!
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart!:) What a darling little Plover and super photos. Thank you for hosting!:)
ReplyDeleteThis little Plover looks very much like our Killdeer ... I wonder if they are related, though the Killdeer are more an inland bird, they are often seen along waterways as well. I love the Aussie names ... they are always unique and often bring a smile to my face (South Ronaldsway, Orkney, Scapa Flow) I know it is English, but you seem to have overlaid a second language which makes it unique. Aborigine perhaps? Always fun to come see you Stewart.
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
Stewart, "Hi Ho Silver! Away." Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat cute little birds!
ReplyDeleteCracking little birds, and always a joy to observe.
ReplyDeleteDarling little birds Stewart, great shots! I hope to be joining in next week, and hopefully will get some decent bird shots between now and then. Thanks for visiting and leaving a nice comment. Your friend's answer, "no change" made me smile. See you next week :)
ReplyDeleteHey Stewart, these birds are so adorable and in so much trouble...we fight to help them...:)JP
ReplyDeleteCute little bird..well camouflaged...nice shots..I have no birdies this week :0
ReplyDeleteWell done Stewart! I have the hardest time getting any where near a shorebird, let alone getting crack shots like yours.
ReplyDeletePlover Power-Hooray!
ReplyDeleteNever seen them before.
Have a Happy Day, Stewart!
Peace :)
They sure do blend into their surroundings. Have the same issues here. Nice bird!
ReplyDeleteThey are cute little birds with nice head colouring.
ReplyDelete