The Golden Plover

Beautifully disguised amongst the grasses & reeds the Golden Plover is not always easy to spot.

Upper Swaledale is a haven for ground nesting birds.  They begin to arrive in March.  The lapwing is usually the first to return followed closely by the curlews, oyster catchers and redshanks.  They use the meadow field as their feeding ground but nest in nearby pastures or the lower areas of the moor that afford more protection from bad weather and preditors.  The pastures are home to the woodcock, snipe, skylark and also the elusive and very beautiful Golden Plover.