Nature lovers in the east of England are being treated to a mighty display by one of the smallest breeding birds at WWT Welney Wetland Centre.
Little ringed plovers (so called because of the golden ring around their eyes) are pulling out all the stops to attract a female. From flying circuits around the washes to marching around with their chests inflated, these little guys are trying every trick in the book.
Once a pair have decided on the perfect spot to nest for the spring, the males switches his moves from alluring to defensive. Using the puffed out chest he charges other birds whether they be the same size as him or much larger, to drive them away from his home.
Volunteer Tony Winchester said: “The little ringed plovers are such jolly little birds.
“Their arrival is one of the first signs of Spring and they have such big personalities - they are fantastic to watch.
“Visitors can enjoy watching these wonderful birds from the comfort of the hides; easily spending a few hours getting caught up in the daily trials of life as a little ringed plover.”
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