Rob Stokes had seen them the previous evening but sensing there may be a pic or two in the offing, joined me to check out the glider station first thing. We were up there for 7.30 and yes they were still there! They were a little bit flighty, taking off once or twice before returning to the grass of the runway.....
Here's six of them!
Marching in a line towards us.....
Ever closer!
A Renault Megane (or come to think of it any car) makes a perfect hide and did so for the first 45 minutes or so. The glider station personnel decided otherwise and we were asked to leave!
One of the males busily feeding and posing....
The Dotterel were still obliging as we returned on foot. How about this awesome female?
I like to pick a favourite!
Eventually, the departure of a bright yellow Gyro-copter was too much for them and they flew off – this time for good!
It had been a feast and another was to follow. Another visitation from the glider club personnel took place but this time it was friendly fire – an offer of breakfast in fact!!
It was an offer too good to refuse as we tucked into the ‘glider bap’.
The gyro had spooked the Dotterel from the area and despite searching they were not seen again that morning!
With news of a Ruff and two Green Sandpiper at Venus Pool, an afternoon call there was due......
