What’s in a flock?

I’ve been enjoying sitting on the grass watching a flock of Dunlin feeding. Occasionally they take off, especially when an Arctic Skua comes to investigate them.

Dunlin - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Their reactive co-ordination to stay in a flock is a joy.

I get a shot of the flock in the air:

Dunlin - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

When I’m home I look at the image on my laptop computer and check what the focus is like. It’s only then I can see two Red-Necked Phalaropes in the flock. Can you see them?

[Hint: look for the white bellies – and clicking on the photograph will enlarge it]

This is the bird you’re looking for:

It’s always worth looking carefully.

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