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Banded Dotterel Nesting


Banded Dotterel Nesting
Photo Information
Copyright: Steve Reekie (LordPotty) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1381 W: 144 N: 3872] (12503)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-09-30
Categories: Birds
Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5
Exposure: f/4, 1/200 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): Birds of New Zealand [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-11-22 15:18
Viewed: 4288
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Banded Dotterel
Charadrius bicinctus

The Double-banded Plover (Charadrius bicinctus), known as the Banded Dotterel in New Zealand, is a small (18 cm) wader in the plover family of birds. It lives in beaches, mud flats, grasslands and on bare ground. Two subspecies are recognised, the nominate Charadrius bicinctus bicinctus breeding in New Zealand and the Chatham Islands and Charadrius bicinctus exilis breeding in the Auckland Islands.

Adults in breeding plumage are white, with a dark greyish brown back, and have a distinctive brown breast, with a thinner band of black below the neck, and between the eyes and beak. Younger birds have no bands, and are often speckled brown on top, with less white parts.

They are fairly widespread in the south of New Zealand, but not often seen in the north. The nominate subspecies is partly migratory, breeding in New Zealand and the Chatham Islands and some wintering in Australia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji, others staying in New Zealand. The Auckland Islands subspecies is sedentary but some birds move from their territories to the shore.

Their eggs are grey, speckled with black, making them well camouflaged against river stones and pebbles, which make up the main structure of their very simple nest.

This one can be seen sitting on its nest.
In the workshop you can see a close up of the speckled eggs.

Cheers
Steve
rousettus, ramthakur, haraprasan has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Steve,
This is really a perfect exposure very well taken. The natural colors of the environment really draw you into to this winner of a photo. :)

Any Tuatara?

Hi Steve,
There are six Charadrius species in Turkiye. But this is different for me. colorful and its photo great. Wonderful capture, especially a compact camera. Focus, details, POV, composition great. Good and informative notes. TFS
best wishes to New Zealand
Ahmet

The eggs are really very well camouflaged aren't they? I am always amazed at how exposed these nests are. I like how you photo shows that vulnerability. The color and focus on the plover are really good.


TFS
Evelynn : )

You have got it right in the middle of its natural habitat, Steve.
The birds sits quite relaxed on the pebbles. This is a great candid shot.
Well done and TFS.
Ram

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1772 W: 36 N: 5597] (18598)
  • [2007-11-22 22:22]

Hi Steve,
Wonderful shot of this nesting bird with sharp details and nice colours. I like the natural surrounding and the coloured pebbles which forms a fabulous BG. Superb lighting and a fine pose captured with a low POV. Very nicely composed. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1739 W: 224 N: 6872] (24909)
  • [2007-11-23 11:22]

Hey Steve!
Nice shot of this little bird.
I like the POV and eye-contact.
Good natural colours and great lighting.
Well done,
Joe

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5137 W: 166 N: 13121] (49139)
  • [2007-11-23 12:47]

Hello Steve,
Very beautiful photo of this Dotterel. Fantastic light and natural colours. Great sharpness with good details. Good focus and POV.
Regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2007-11-23 19:38]

Hello Steve

I am always amazed at plovers and killdeer and the ilk ,that ground nest in this manner.
The theatrics they go through to lead you away from the clutch is entertaining to say the least.
Well captured,the plumage detail is excellent,the colours are deep and well saturated.
Very good eye contact.
TFS

Rob

Namastay Steve,
A beautiful capture of this Dotterel rearing its eggs. Excellent details and composition with natural habitat view. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Sincerely,
Hara

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