Lapwing
Lapwings can be recognised by their long head crests, black and white patterns, and very broad, round wingtips. From a distance, lapwings look black and white, but up-close, the back has an iridescent green and purple sheen. Lapwings can often be seen wheeling through winter skies in large, flocs over wetlands or farmland. The name lapwing is thought to derive from an Old English term meaning 'leap with a flicker in it' because the dense winter flocks appear to flicker between white and black when the birds flap their wings. As spring approaches, some birds head back to their continental breeding grounds and others disperse to breed in the UK.
How to keep these birds protected
These migratory birds have travelled for thousands of miles to get to the UK and will now need to rest up and feed in order to survive the winter months before making the long journey back to summer breeding grounds. It is therefore very important to remember to give these birds plenty of space by sticking to foot paths, keeping dogs on leads, and avoid entering mudflats and saltmarsh, some of which are restricted to people and dogs.
For more information on access at our wetlands reserves please see the links below: Oare Marshes | Kent Wildlife Trust, Sandwich and Pegwell Bay | Kent Wildlife Trust. In the mean time you can start excited about your next visit to the coast by checking out some of our favourite Winter waders Wading birds | The Wildlife Trusts. You can also check our upcoming guided wetland walks for an opportunity to learn more about these protected areas and the birds that rely on these coastal habitats".