Bird Identification - Any Ideas?

[edkay]

Hi,

I spotted some strange birds this weekend and would be grateful for any help in identifying them. Unfortunately I didn't have my binoculars so my details are sparse! I live in rural Lincolnshire and the birds were seen in a field near to a canal.

I first noticed one bird flying across the road into the field. It seemed to be quite large - certainly bigger than a pigeon, perhaps even bigger than a crow. I then heard some very bizarre noises, and it seemed there were two more of the same kind of bird frolicking in the same field. I say frolicking - they were chasing one another in a playful Spring-time way rather than aggressive, territorial way.

The birds had long, rectangular wings. On the underside they were white from the body to about 2/3 of the length, where they became totally black - like black gloves. I thought their bodies were black buy my girlfriend thought they were white!

As I say, the call was the most bizarre thing. They were making a whistling sound, perhaps 2 seconds long, one pitch. But the noise was like you used to hear on 1980 computer games! As the birds were chasing each other, the calls were more bullet-like - lots of short whistles, again, like an old computer game.

Apologies for the poor details and terrible descriptions - I've only recently got into birding and have yet to develop a sense for proper terminology!

Many thanks for any advice anyone can offer,

Best wishes,

Ed

[nikolai_avenger]

Based on habitat, shape of wings, and colouring, I'd say Lapwing.

Cheers. Nik.

[valleyforge]

Originally Posted by edkay

Apologies for the poor details and terrible descriptions - I've only recently got into birding and have yet to develop a sense for proper terminology!

Proper terminology not withstanding, for me you painted a very detailed word picture of what can surely only be a lapwing.

Welcome to the WaB forum, Ed.

[edkay]

Wow, thanks for the incredibly rapid responses!

I've been to the RSPB site and watched a couple of videos and I agree, we definitely saw three lapwings.

Next time I'm going to remember my binoculars!

Thanks again for your help

Cheers,

Ed

[lawman]

On Wednesday 23 March noticed around ten birds eating berries from a neighbour`s Rowan tree in Cumbernauld. At first thought they were starlings but after a bit of research discovered it was a group of waxwings. First time I`ve seen such spectacular birds!

[seamusagleann]

well spotted ,lawman nice bird to watch while feeding , welcome both you and edkay to wab!!