I was, as is often the case, at Welney bird reserve this morning. The light was better than yesterday.
The highlight of the morning was when a marsh harrier put up a flock of black-tailed godwits, which are there at present before probably moving on as migrants to Iceland to breed, although there is also a small resident population.
These birds are spectacular in flight, murmurating spectacularly, or susurating if you so wish, if you think the term murmurating is reserved for starlings, as some claim it to be.
I took these pictures when they were flying that way, the birds showing off their white bellies as they flew in one direction:
When they turn (which they do in unison), they then appear dark, based on the view of their upper bodies:
A blown-up shot of their undersides makes clear just how beautiful these birds are:
The russet heads are only seen in the breeding season. Most now have them.
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Smashing!
Thanks
The conundrum was watch it, or photograph it?
Spoil yourself and do both, I say.
Noted!
Keep up these great nature posts!!!
I am looking at a new lens to help me do so…..
Here in the North of NL we have them too, taking a break before heading on to Iceland. The next wave will be the birds that stay and nest here. Unfortunately less each year, we should be taking more care of them. Here they are called ‘Grutto’, because that’s what they call. Maybe the same goes for ‘Godwit’. Lovely photos, thank you.
I have not thought the name onomatopoeic, but it could be. And thank you. Welney is doing lots of work to ehlp godwits
AS, I looked up the name, thinking it might be from the old English verb witan, to know. God wāt = God knows. But it seems it is related to their call as you say. Great photographs RJM.
Thanks