Plovers are great little wading birds to watch. Two of the smallest are the Ringed and the Little Ringed Plover. I've been fortunate over the last few years to have both these birds stop off and stay for a month or two in the Spring months. Unfortunately, where they choose to stop starts of as a nice muddy wet area, but soon dries up, and so there is little hope of any successful breeding. However, I do make sure that I visit them regularly to enjoy them while they are here.
The Little Ringed has a very distinctive yellow eye ring and is smaller than the Ringed Plover. The eye ring is not that easy to see with the naked eye, and binoculars or a scope are beneficial.
The Ringed Plover, being a little stockier also has a white wing bar, which is a good identifier in flight. It also has an orange bill with a black tip (adult birds).
The Little Ringed Plover with its yellow eye ring and dark bill.
Hello. Good photos. The differences between the two birds are clearly visible.
ReplyDeleteThey are both cute.
ReplyDeleteWow, great sighting of these two cute Plovers. I can see the differences on the eyes.
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.
I would have trouble telling the difference but they are beautiful birds and neat that you got to watch them!
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