Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Red-capped Plover

This Post is for World Bird Wednesday.

I walked across the salt marsh flats on Monday to see if there were any Godwits back yet but could not see any at all. However, while I was walking across the flats I heard a Red-capped Plover and then it flew quite closely past me. It then fluttered to the ground and did its best to convince me it was hurt in some way and I should go and investigate. It was the old 'broken wing' technique to lure me away from where it had either a nest or a young one hidden. When I was far enough away it stood up tall and flew off quite well. I just hope the nest is far enough above high tide to be safe - or that the young one is able to move away. The bird is a female and the typical red on the head is not as dark as the male has.

15 comments:

  1. Beautiful Plover behaviour to witness... lovely images of your pretty little Red-cap.

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  2. Great photos hope the young one is ok.

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  3. They are so cute when they pull they act. Adorable photos and a beautiful bird.

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  4. Fantabulous shots of the Red-capped Plover doing its broken wing act Mick! That second shot is super!

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  5. Such a little fake-out artist. I didn't know plovers would do this, but we have kildeer here in Oregon that use the same technique.

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  6. Excellent series, that is such an oddball behavior and so perfectly photographed too. I hope they find their way!

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  7. That’s a great behaviour shot - well done!

    Think I may be in a bit of a minority putting the Currawong in my "top 10" birds!

    Cheers - Stewart M

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  8. Such clever behavior. Great shots!

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  9. nice! The same behaviour I had on the owl some weeks ago.

    She succeded, did she not? And she is a beauty. :)

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  10. Great close up!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  11. I scrolled through your recent posts - you have such a wonderful variety of birds! Great photos illustrating the bird faking an injury!

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  12. Interesting that your Plover uses that trick like the ones here.:)
    Cool shots!

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  13. Nice captures of Plover behavior!

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  14. Such a cute,smart bird.I will probably never see this one but for your captures,thank-you for sharing your shots of this little actress, phyllis

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