Which Ringed Plover?

[Deb London]

Does anyone have any idea which Ringed Plover this is? On a local disused gravel pit in a group of three.



Thank you.

[david156]

Not your best picture, Deb From the look of the white patch behind the eye, the slight apperance of a coloured beak although this doesn't show too well, and the posture, I would be inclined to go for Ringed Plover.

Cheers David

[Deb London]

Thanks David...I know it's terrible.

[david156]

Originally Posted by Deb London

Thanks David...I know it's terrible.

We've all taken pictures like that. Anyway, The way i've be miss-identifying things recently, (not concentrating properly!) someone will come on here later and re-identify it as something different, like a semi-p plover or something!

[captaincarot]

i thought the pic might get a bit bigger if i clicked on it, well i was wrong on that then,

but not in saying ringed plover

[aeshna5]

Ringed Plover for me too; LRP tend to be slimmer + more attenuated with longer wings + a thinner, darker bill in addition to points raised above.

[Deb London]

This was taken at some distance. I've been watching these birds for some weeks and I haven't seen them any nearer. I had to wait until dry conditions so I felt confident that I could ignore the quicksand sign (I stayed well on the bank even so). The GP really needs a scope to see what's there. (I looked into getting one but the advice was to spend more than I had.)

Thanks everyone for the replies. I will go with RP and hope that next time they are feeding a little nearer.

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by Deb London

Thanks everyone for the replies. I will go with RP and hope that next time they are feeding a little nearer.

I'm sure that Ringed Plover is the right ID - the shape, and the white spot behind the eye, but not extending along above the black on the forehead, are typical of Ringed Plover.

If you have been watching more than one "for some weeks" then they are almost certainly attempting to breed (look out for any signs of chicks - a breeding record of either species in your area is noteworthy).
Also, if you can't get closer views, hope to get a look at them in flight or stretching their wing - the presence or absence of a white wing bar would confirm the ID.

[Deb London]

Thanks Roy, this is great advice on how to positively ID them.

I've seen them about 4 times now, each time I've visited the GP this year. I haven't seen any chicks.