November 30th, 1998

Small numbers of lapwings are starting to be seen around Ackworth and they should become a familiar sight in the neighbourhood as winter progresses. They are often seen flying over and are easily identified by their blunt wings, white underside and quirky, jinking flight. The distinctive calls are also useful in drawing attention to them, especially when they are standing in the middle of a field and aren't immediately noticeable when viewed against the dark earth.

The fields adjacent to the school are, mostly, a little smaller than those that the lapwings prefer. However, there are some large fields around the village that are favoured by these birds. With a little searching, on the right day, it is possible to find medium to large groups of them. Their favoured haunts can look quite bleak and the one pictured below was being buffeted by an icy breeze as it tried to sleep.

Occasionally, it is possible to find golden plovers accompanying the lapwings. These are a little smaller than the lapwings and quite easy to identify, both when the birds are on the ground and when they are in flight. Although they associate closely with the lapwings, it is often noticeable that the two species tend to divide into separate groups during flight, though these groups frequently overlap. I have not seen any golden plovers, so far, this winter but I know their favourite fields and expect to locate some soon.