Africa birds - Crowned Plover (better pic in thread)

Something caught the corner of my eye this morning in a field. I took a few pics, bit of a distance, so I cropped them, but you get the idea on this beautifull plover.

This is a bit closer and you get the idea. (Vanellus coronatus)

They run in short bursts and in this distance you are lucky to spot them, because they tend to run, feed, run, feed. They are very protective of their young and "dive bomb" any intruders, their mates often helping out.

Look at that!..amazingly hidden. They nest in shallow scrapes on the ground, lined with bits of soil, stones and plant fragments. They are fairly common in Southern Africa and when I see better examples with possibly chics (very cute) I will add it to this thread.

This message was edited Jun 24, 2008 1:20 PM

Very nice Little!

thanx pelletory

How neat. I know how hard it is to get pictures of birds when they are not accustomed to people or trained to a feeder. I've been chasing Great Blue Heron's for several years and just can't manage to sneak up on one. Great pictures.

Can't wait to learn about all the different birds in South Africa.

I second that OP.

Little_Things, I've noticed the Laughing Doves you've posted on another thread. They are very common where I am.

Margaret, thanks, yes very common, its is always iteresting where all the birds do occur...I've seen many on BWForum, that do not occur here, but I recognize the bird (stance, look) just something familiar...I love this...

Didn't think Laughing Dove occurred in Australia, but looked up, see it's introduced in the southwest. I've seen them in Morocco (native there).

Resin