The Second Ladybird book of British Birds #8 – The Lapwing
Here’s a Lapwing in a Ladybird book from 1955:
Is what it says still true?
Its proper name, though seldom used, is the Green Plover
Lapwings have many folk and country names such as Teeick and Teeoo in Orkney, as well as their scientific one: Vanellus vanellus.
The Lapwing loves the open country and its nest is always placed in a position commanding a wide view
Lapwings certainly do love the open country. The open country doesn’t love them though, as changes to farming methods with autumn-sown rather than spring-sown crops mean there are fewer flat fields to lay their eggs.
As a teenager I sketched this Lapwing:
Here’s the equivalent digital photo now:
The digital revolution has happened in my lifetime. How will technology change in the next forty years and what will its effect be on our appreciation of the natural world?
The Ladybird book continues:
In the mating season the Lapwing performs most marvellous aerobatics, taking headlong plunges to earth, then soaring again just when it seems certain it must be dashed to pieces.
They really are spectacular fliers:
Here’s a grim reminder of the dangers they face:
And a joyful reminder of them still flocking on Westray.
