Seen today

[cazmanian_minx]

Some live ones for a change! I went to see how the ringed plovers were getting on. The sand had shifted and covered the nest, but I think they must have moved the family, because both adults were still around and very anxious to keep me away from one part of the beach. I did find one dead chick near the old nest site, but hopefully the other three are alive and kicking.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/2589114585_2b98695590.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22544094@N00/2589114585/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2589115399_b3f752610f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22544094@N00/2589115399/)

[cazmanian_minx]

And two to identify if I may - I've had a guess, but I'm not sure if I'm right. I think the first one might be a juvenile oystercatcher (from the shape of the beak) and the second might be a young thrush? (Guess who's asking for a bird book for her birthday this year - any recommendations appreciated.)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/2589115843_7ae96501f7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22544094@N00/2589115843/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/2589114935_123991dfff.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22544094@N00/2589114935/)

(I'm so chuffed with this picture - it's not cropped at all, the bird just landed bang in front of me on the tractor tyre, don't know who was more surprised!)

[the_count]

not quite caz the first is a common sandpiper i think and the second is a rock pipit but i may be wrong on the common sandpiper lol as for a decent book may i suggest the AA book "birds of britain and europe" the retail price is £25 but i picked mine up for a few quid in a book sale :D hope this helps

[the_count]

by the way the chicks will be almost invisable .... even if you see them with the parents and triangulate their position lol i speak from experience lol :lol:

[cazmanian_minx]

Thanks, Count - I've lived in cities all my life and my bird knowledge is pretty much restricted to "pigeon" - "not a pigeon", though I'm gradually remembering my garden birds from when I was little as they appear on the feeders we put up last week.

I'll keep an eye out for that book!