Northern Lapwing / vanellus vanellus. Frampton, Lincolnshire. 21/03/24.
A Lapwing intent on feeding up and although fully aware of me, it just kept on moving closer and closer.
BEST VIEWED LARGE.
© All Rights Reserved
Northern Lapwing / vanellus vanellus. Frampton, Lincolnshire. 21/03/24.
'A MEASURED APPROACH.'
I watched this Lapwing approach closer and closer as it fed on a grassy, waterlogged field.
It demonstrated such a different style of feeding compared to the nearby Ruff. Whilst they fed 'on the go', this beauty paced itself. 2-3 steps forward, then stoop, peck and only very occasionally, make a short run.
Much easier and more predictable to photograph!
BEST VIEWED LARGE.
© All Rights Reserved
Ruff / calidris pugnax. Frampton, Lincolnshire. 23/03/24.
'FAST FOOD.'
The same male Ruff was favouring exactly the same area of grassy marshland on my second visit to Frampton RSPB reserve.
As previously, he continued to move about very rapidly, rarely pausing for a split second. Obviously a creature of habit with the urge to feed up well before moving to his breeding grounds.
BEST VIEWED LARGE.
© All Rights Reserved
Ruff / calidris pugnax. Frampton, Lincolnshire. 21/03/24.
'JUST CHECKING ... '
Judging by its size, I think this was a male Ruff in non-breeding plumage. Here he is shown taking a brief break from feeding and checking the sky. I looked too, but couldn't see anything to cause alarm.
BEST VIEWED LARGE.
© All Rights Reserved
Ruff / calidris pugnax. Frampton, Lincolnshire. 21/03/24.
'MARSH WORMER.'
By late afternoon this Ruff moved away from the shallow pools and started feeding with gusto on the waterlogged grassland. It moved tirelessly, covering impressive distances at speed.
I watched it successfully pull out many worms by stabbing its beak into the ground. I was intrigued by how it knew where to aim. There was no head cocking to listen for sound, like thrushes and no paddling on the spot, like gulls. Just a confident jab into the muddy grass, and a worm would be extracted.
BEST VIEWED LARGE.
© All Rights Reserved