Avocet (Recurvirostra Avocetta)

Elegant, black and white wader of pools and marshes near the coast. It feeds on invertebrates in shallow water.

Photographed at Needs Ore private nature reserve in Hampshire. There are several excellent hides. Day permits can be obtained from Beaulieu House and Motor museum.

It nests in open water, laying 2 - 4 eggs, which take 23 days to hatch.

It is 42 - 45 cm tall