In flight Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) are highly acrobatic as they roll and tumble through the air and easily identified by its rounded black and white wings. It is also very vocal hence the common name 'Peewit' derived from its shrill call.
On the ground they quietly go about their daily chore of hunting small invertebrates, worms and insects but always keeping a watchful eye out for overhead predators and they are quick to react by bursting into flight at the slightest hint of disturbance. These images were digi-scoped of an individual about 100 yards away that kept disappearing from view behind the numerous moss covered hillocks on the inland grazing pasture at Farlington Marshes.
Both images were shot using shutter-priority (1/1000 and 1/1600 respectively) and then cropped. FAB.
Nice photos, especially the second one.
ReplyDeleteBoth pictures are great but really like the composition of the second.
ReplyDeletelovely iridescent wing feathers.
ReplyDeleteExcellent results Frank.
ReplyDeleteNever tried digi-scoping; quite an art I beleive.
I didn't realise the Lapwing had such a mixture of colours on the wings, but then I have only seen them from a distance. Like others I particularly like the second photo.
ReplyDeleteVery cool. I love the fancy feathers on their heads. It makes them exotic looking. I hope I can have the same success as you with shots when I start digiscoping. We still have almost 2 feet of snow here, and it's still grey with cloud cover mostly so the light just isn't good enough yet.
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures, I love the rainbow colours in their wings.
ReplyDeletehad 11 Lapwings today frank. Not been a good year for seeing them on my patch this winter.
ReplyDeleteReally good shots under the circumstances Frank.
ReplyDeleteLike the feathers and coloring - but I REALLY like the second photo. It's outstanding in its clarity and composition.
ReplyDeleteI did not know you were disgiscoping! Well done... Lapwings never came over here ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe second photo is particularly good. Interesting to see the F numbers you used also.
ReplyDeleteLovely shots of the lapwing. I love to watch them in flight. Their wing movements are just so beautiful. A flock flew over my house around three weeks ago....my heart missed a beat......
ReplyDeleteLapwings, what a neat bird, and the colouration is really interesting. Would love to see one of these one day. Thanks for sharing~
ReplyDeleteVery unique, pretty bird! No snow on the ground, either! But then your post doesn't say if this is a recent or older photo..?
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone. Sorry I'm a bit behind with responding to your messages despite being locked indoors due to the wet weather.
ReplyDeleteAndy & Richard. The 2nd was far better..thanks.
Wilma. In flight, at distance, the flocks also generate a distinctive 'flickering' effect due to the wing colours.
Keith. Cheers. Just a camera on the end of a bigger lens...still learning both methods!
John. A bit like a Magpie, until you get good close views you don't realise the complexity of colours.
Kelly. Yes the wispy thin crest is very diagnostic. You must be wishing for sunshine like me as this constant rain is definitely damping my spirits.
Linda. Thanks, they are a fabulous mixture of colour .
Warren. I haven't seen any locally for ages either.
Roy. Thanks.
Mona. I agree the 2nd shot was better after a little cropping.
Chris. I have been dabbling for a while using a Compact Camera but wanted to try using the DSLR before thinking about spending money on a bigger lens.
Mick. Trial and error with the settings at the moment but the 80mm scope in decent light will require fast shutter speeds.
Cheryl. I agree the 'flickering' and 'twinkling' effect of a large flock twisting and turning is mesmerizing.
Mary HC. You would need to be on the upper East coast to see them I presume.
Jann. No snow..just rain!! Sorry, should have mentioned; taken last week on a coastal marshland visit (please see post 'Stroll around Farlington Marshes').
Hope to catch up with you all very soon. FAB.
Well done, I would love to see this Lapwing.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really cool bird that I hope to see some day. Thanks for the write-up.
ReplyDeleteHi Eileen. You may have to travel to find one!
ReplyDeleteHi Steve. According to my copy of 'Sibley' they can't be far away from you on the upper east coastal marshes?
What a beautiful bird! Are those wing feathers irridescent or are those the actual colors?
ReplyDeleteI think your second shot of the Lapwing is a great digiscoped photo! I too am attempting to learn the art but haven't had enough time to practice yet. What a gorgeous bird. I would love to see it in flight.
ReplyDeleteHi Lana. Yes, the green and purple irridecence is the actual colour. I see you are suffering similar birding weather..wet,wet,wet!
ReplyDeleteHi Larry. Thanks. Digiscoping has it's advantages and disadvantages but certainly worth a try.
What super shots. Have never attempted digiscoping, but looks like you have it down pat. I'd love to observe a lapwing! ~ks
ReplyDeleteHi ks. Thanks but it's early days with the new set up. When we get some decent sunshine I'll try some more!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots, Frank! I love the iridescent sheen of those wings.
ReplyDeleteHi Kyle. Thanks and it's good to see you back. I'll pop over shortly to see what you've been up to.
ReplyDeleteHi Kyle. Thanks and it's good to see you back. I'll pop over shortly to see what you've been up to.
ReplyDelete