Blackstone Edge

Little Ringed Plover

2 female Ringed Plovers

BIRD A

BIRD B

Yesterday's Ringed Plover was a male: jet black head and breast markings, - including a thick black band between forehead and crown - and quite bright orange legs and bill base.

Today's birds show how females differ. The head and breast markings are dark brown, not jet black (only really apparent when photographed in sunlight - Bird B, top), with a thinner band between forehead and crown. And the bill base and legs are duller, especially on Bird A.