Over the past few weeks, the number of Ringed Plovers resting on the spit at Meon Shore has been increasing. This post is concentrating on this small wader.

 

Ringed plovers are described as small and dumpy wading birds with orange legs and a black and white head and breast pattern. They can be seen foraging for small invertebrates and crustaceans in a characteristic “stand and watch, run, peck” pattern.

UK numbers ; breeding birds 5,450+ pairs; wintering 42,500 birds

The birds group up beach and will fly together in small flocks.

Note in the last picture, a Dunlin has tagged on!