Ringed Plover
Ref:PL2000

Ringed Plover
Ref:PL2001

Ringed Plover
Ref:PL2002

We saw this lovely ringed plover at Tolsta, The Isle of Lewis - on the Traigh Mhor beach May 5th 2009.

The plovers are short dumpy wading birds that breed on the beaches and coast around The Western Isles

The rear view of this delightful bird the ringed plover - these birds looking almost like ballet dancers can be seen all over the Western Isles.

These birds are normally found in small loose groups with other waders

Although the ringed plovers mostly feeds on the mud they will also feed in short grass.

Ringed Plovers roost communally on bare or sparsely covered ground close to their feeding areas.

Ringed Plover -Western Isles
Ref:PL2003

Ringed Plovers -Shawbost
Ref:PL2004

Ringed Plovers -Shawbost
Ref:PL2005

Ringed plovers nest on or near sandy beaches - some move inland to breed on loch shores.This plover was seen at Shawbost - April 2009

The ringed plover's pied head and breast and white neck distinguish the bird from other common small waders. Seen at Shawbost - April 2009

When intruders approach a nest the birds try to lure them away, by feigning a broken wing or fanning their tails and squealing like a rodent. April 2009