Wednesday 18 March 2015

Wild Bird Wednesday 139 - Masked Lapwing

This is another bird from my recent trip to Churchill Island, and another set of pictures taken using the car as a hide.

This bird is a Masked Lapwing - or Vanellus miles.  This individual is an example of the species of bird that used to be called "The Spurwing Plover", but has now been 'downgraded' to a race of the species  V. miles.  

The yellow wattle that hangs from the face is flexible, and I think this one has the lower part of one of the wattles tucked up under the other.

I have to say I really like the colour palette of these images.




Now its your turn - click on the blue button below and off you go.

(I feel the need to apologise for may slowness in replying to many of your comments - things are very, very busy here at present! SM)


42 comments:

  1. Interesting yellow mask on its face. And you thought YOU were the one who was hiding. ;)

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  2. That is one smart looking bird. The colours are superb.

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  3. A lovely bird Stewart... thanks for sharing.

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  4. The pictures are perfect indeed with the wildflowers picking up the yellow mask on their faces. Gorgeous bird perfectly posed for you.

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  5. I too think the colors make this an attractive bird.
    I like how the yellow wattle picks up the yellow in the flowers dotted on the ground. Just noticed Sallie said that too. :)
    I'm thinking your car is a probably is a nicer warmer blind than most!

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  6. I've always like the yellow "mask" on these guys! They're kind of odd looking, too.

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  7. The background colour certainly makes this interesting species pop.

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  8. I like the colour too Stewart! Great captures of the Masked Lapwing, ..another bird new to me.

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  9. What a striking bird! Thanks for hosting us!

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  10. They are exquisite shots! I love the colors of the lapwing and its surroundings. Such an interesting bird, too!

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  11. such a neat and kind of goofy-looking bird! :)

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  12. A great-looking bird in his natty plumage. I really like that black neck stripe. The yellow flowers in the photo are just perfect.

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  13. What an interesting bird, and yes, nice colors.

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  14. A nice bird at a distance I remember getting too close and got attached!

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  15. Hi Stewart, always amazing photos of birds you see. This Lapwing reminds me of our Wattled Starling! Thanks for taking the time to share your sightings. Jo

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  16. Very unusual bird ... of course I am seeing things that arn't there, like an old man with a large schnoz, a weak chin and a toupee. But in the bird world, which is, afterall where he is, he is amazing and handsome. So glad you hid in your car so you could get these pictures ... it was well worth your effort.

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  17. It's like a cross between a ringed lover and a lapwing. A very interesting looking bird.

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  18. Stewart, you have the most adorable birds there!!!!...:)JP

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  19. These are quite striking birds. The neutral background dotted with yellow flowers provides the perfect backdrop for your Masked Lapwing. Thanks for hosting! I know what you mean about busy, I've had a hard time keeping up lately, too.

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  20. Lovely birds, Thanks for all your work on the site!

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  21. je kreeg de volle medewerking.

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  22. Wonderful bird.. Great shot.. Cheers..

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  23. The yellow flowers go great with the Masked Lapwing's beak. Great Pictures.

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  24. Very attractive bird!!! And colorful. I also like the name of the island.

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  25. ahhh...Mother gifts us in so many ways, no matter by what name. (color WAS cool)

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  26. What a stunning bird. I also love the color palate. Couldn't ask for better.

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  27. What a striking bird. I like how there are yellow flowers on the ground that match the birds color.

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  28. That is a really attractive plover Stuart. You have some lovely shots there by using the car. I'm trying to recall if I saw this species in Malaysia or if I'm getting confused with a similar red wattled one in India. Think I need to consult my books.

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  29. Love the colors as well..Little flecks of green and yellow in an otherwise drab setting..Great flow.Cool bird..Who is that masked bird??

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  30. ps....Stewart, I'm doing very well! Thanks for asking.

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  31. Such a bright and cheerful bird. You captured some great shots.
    CM

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  32. A handsome bird and another one that is new to me!

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  33. I do not always think bird and butterfly names go along with their looks, but this lovely bird matches up swell for it's name~
    Thank you!

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  34. What lovely shots.

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  35. I really like these! What a beauty he is. I too, like the colors in these photos.

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  36. These are wonderful photos of a fascinating bird, Stewart. Yet another that I had never heard of, so many thanks for the lesson! I also very much enjoyed reading your "Wild" interview.

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  37. fantastic colour markings on this bird

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  38. These fellows hang out with us when we have our Friday BBQ at the wharf to farewell our students. They are rather interesting looking birds.

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  39. Gorgeous shots of the lapwing!

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  40. A wonderful bird and a great color combination of bird and background, I love it!
    My contribution is online.
    Greetings from germany

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  41. As Sallie mentioned, I like how the yellow in the bird's face matches the yellow in the flowers.

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  42. I guess he wears the mask to hide his true identity. Nice photos Stewart!

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