Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

This magnificent bird can look amazing in bright sunshine, where you can see shades of green and other colours in the apparent black feathers. It is often seen in large flocks in wetland areas, farmland and coastal marshes. They don’t like the cold so severe weather can trigger additional movement to the normal migration. They nest in open countryside producing about four eggs that hatch after 26 days.

Whilst they are often seen in large numbers getting good high detail shots can take time and patience. Exposure can be difficult as over exposure for the dark areas can cause burn out in the white. Try and take a few test exposures and meter with centre weighted metering on the white area of the bird. Bright sunlight will make the colours in the black much more apparent.