Just Dots in a Field

The crest of the coastal ridge around Titchwell is a regular spot to see Doterel at this time of the year. Birds drop in with some regularity to feed before moving on their way up the Pennines and into Cumbria, Scotland or beyond to Scandinavia. These are a montaine breeding species with a role reversal in the sexes. The male rears the chicks alone without any help from the more brightly coloured female.

Many of the 27 birds I saw in this years well watched ‘trip’ were female; many of the males perhaps already holding territory in the north. About half the flock are present in the photograph below; best viewed by enlarging.

A Pair of Dotterel

It’s par for the course that golfers and bird photographers don’t always hit it off. A couple of Dotterel that turned up at the Sheringham course recently saw the patience of a few driven quite far. Some photographers had the balls to venture a little closer than others to bag a shot; leaving those that stopped a fair – way away a little more green with envy. I know … I know, but the situation just teed itself up.