Ringed Plover nest site

15th June 2009, Monday

A pair of Ringed Plover has decided that just in front of the Crittall Hide at Ternery Pool  is a good place to nest. These 4 photos were all taken within a 90 second period today.

The male (top) made a nest “scrape” and called the female over to try it for size, while he called and covered her with his fanned tail.

rp1

 

The female adds a few small stones to the scrape, while the male continues to call.

rp2

The pair moves away and the male adopts a tall posture and kicks the female.

rp3

this leads to mating, which may result in the first egg.

rp4

4 days to complete the clutch of 4 eggs, then 24 days to hatch and another 24 days for the chicks to fledge - that’s 50 days to avoid being eaten!