<< Previous Next >>

Spur-wing Plover nesting


Spur-wing Plover nesting
Photo Information
Copyright: Kathleen Shepherd (Kathleen) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 383 W: 105 N: 983] (2987)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-08-21
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon 450D
Exposure: f/8, 1/200 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-08-23 1:52
Viewed: 390
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Spur-wing Plovers nesting

Another image of the Spur-wing plovers. One parent on their nest and the other standing watch in the background.
The nest is right out in the open paddock with only this patch of grass around it. The cows were in earlier this week and have eaten the grass down all around them, only this tuff of green grass left where they are sitting. They are quite fierce when it comes to defending their patch, especially when they are nesting or with chicks.
Canon 450D, 300mm + 1.4x converter, crop of about 25%.
F/8 used to give some detail to the standing Plover behind, but still out of focus enough to bring the attention of sharp focus to the front nesting Plover.

Same notes as from yesterday.
The sexes are alike and there are no seasonal differences. Features that distinguish the masked lapwing from other plovers are its black crown and nape separated from the mantle by a white collar, white underparts, yellow bill, bright yellow wattle that reaches well behind the eye and hangs down beside the chin, and a long and sharp wing spur.

Self introduced from Australia to Southland in the 1930’s the Spur-winged Plover is now found throughout New Zealand in open country pastures, wetland margins and estuaries.
They eat earthworms and insects and their larvae, crustaceans and molluscs and also seeds and leaves.

Breeding occurs in late winter-to early spring. Birds pair for life and take up territories in May-July with successful breeding occupying 9-11 months. This period includes building the nest, incubation, brooding and caring for the young and defending the territory against intruders of own and other species.
The clutch of 1 – 4 khaki eggs with brownish, black blotches is incubated by both sexes for 30 - 31 days.
Young leave the nest almost immediately after hatching, and some young leave before all eggs have hatched. They are guarded by both parents when small and the young may scatter over as much as 200 m if disturbed, with each adult guarding the chicks closet to it. The young follow parents but find their own food. Young usually fledge at 6-7 weeks but may vary from 5-8 weeks. Young are independent at about 8-10 months at an average of 40 weeks. Many families stay together after the young can fly. Birds can breed in their first year.
Janice, techranger, bobcat08, LordPotty has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3460 W: 145 N: 5905] (17690)
  • [2008-08-23 3:34]

I've seen these in the Akld Zoo - what strange looking birds they are Kathleen. I have heard about their fighting. It's amazing how they nest right out in the open areas.
Good shot, I like your OOF background and natural colours
TFS
Janice

thanks for this second chance to look at these amazing birds, best regards, Ori

Nice done photo of the Spur-wing. I like the way the female is in sharp focus in her chosen habitat) and the male (her guardian and provider) is shown out of focus but definitely making his presence known.

Larry

Another lovely shot. Love the notes, it tells a great story. I can just imagine them getting bolshy with the cow. You almost feel you're on the journey with them ,so do keep us up to date. It would be great to get a glimpse of what the chicks look like.

Nicki

Hi Kathleen,
nice composition and very sharp picture with superb colours. I always forget that on the other side of the world there is spring and birds beginn to nest!!
thanks
Pierre

Kathleen, this is outstanding. You did good on this capture. Congratulations. I hope you have a great weekend.

Check out my website when you have time:
http://billhoughtonphotography.com

Hello Kathleen,

The spring must be not so far in your country (-: . The autumn has already started here in Holland. The first brown leaves are visible. I like your compo and I agree with the critiques of Larry (techrnager)

Nice shot. POV, DOF and BG are oké. A very complete and interesting notes. Greetings and TFS BOB

Hi Kathleen,
I've been away for a bit,so quite a lot of catching up to do.
Great to get two Ploverses like this.
Thenesting one is really sharp and the colours are great.
A really cool compo .... great stuff!
Cheers
Steve

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF