An evening visit to Maxey GP the other day produced this Avocet that had obviously just dropped in for a quick feed and a wash as it was gone the next day. A pair of Avocets have bred at this site before, a couple of years ago and also an attempt was made last year, but this was unsuccessful as the young were predated, but there was no sign this year. This lone bird was obviously just passing through.
The Avocet is a striking bird and once you see one you will never forget its appearance. It is black and white with a long black upcurved bill and long blue-grey legs. It is the logo of the RSPB for an obvious reason. A true success story with now over 1500 pairs breeding in Britain after becoming extinct as a breeding bird in 1840.
That was another really good sighting John, great photos.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful bird to see.
ReplyDeleteI have only seen the captive Avocets at Pensthorpe.... fantastic images.
Hi John ...what an awesome looking bird!!
ReplyDeleteHe sure is striking with that black bill,and all.
Nice...like that first one!!
Have a good weekend ..Grace
Unlike the whinchat, this must be one of the most easily-recognized birds in the country. (I'm sure you got it right this time!)
ReplyDeleteClick here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi Roy,
ReplyDeleteThankyou, yes Maxey has had a couple of half-decent birds just lately, surely soon it will pull in a`biggy`!
J
Hi Andrew,
ReplyDeleteThankyou. I have been lucky in that we get these birds pretty much annually in this area, although only in ones and twos!
J
Hi Grace,
ReplyDeleteThankyou. Yes, they are stunning, elegant birds!
J
Hi Bazza,
ReplyDeleteYes, this is one bird that I can be quite confident of identifying correctly! ;)
J
Lovely "action" shots of the avocet. Such a fascinating-looking bird.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
ReplyDeleteThankyou. They are a lovely looking bird, a bit weird with that upcurved bill, but still extremely elegant!
J