The one with the ski-jump bill.

A flotilla of Avocet
The one thing I love about Goldcliff is the close proximity you can get to the birds. For those of us taking pictures from the various hides and platforms however, it is not an easy task. In front of you is stock proof fencing which has extended posts and wires which are electrified, and you have to adjust your height, look through the gaps and persevere as the camera wants to focus on a strand of wire as opposed to your subject.

But get past this and you have some lovely birds to look at - such as the Avocet with its characteristic ski-jump bill.  At the moment there are around ninety birds on the reserve, most in feeding groups and others feeding alone and going through the daily routine of life. Yesterday there were two that had colour rings on their legs, and I have submitted these findings and hoping to get a response as to the birds origins and movements.

The ski-jump shaped bill is used sweep through the mud to search out tiny invertebrates, and the side to side movement of the head is distinctive. They prefer the water to be around 10cm deep which allows the legs to be hidden in the water when wading. They can swim if necessary and regularly upend themselves to obtain food as well.  
Just testing the temperature of the water my dear! 
They have a ringing 'pleet pleet' call, and in flight they show the long trailing bluish-grey legs. The wings show a strong black and white pattern. They are 42-46cm in length with a wingspan of 77-80cm and weigh 230-290g. The plumage is mainly white with a black head and nape, and black panels on the wings. In flight these patches take on an 'oval' shape. The sexes are identical and juveniles resemble the adults except that areas of black are in fact brown instead.

What I like about the Avocet in particular, is their strong bond and aggressive stance against possible scavengers around their territory, and they form small groups to take to the air and get in amongst and harass any passing corvid or gull - even showing off their bravado to a Grey heron that strays too close. 
Pictures copyright N Davies.










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