Camouflaged Wilson’s Plover Chick

Where is the Wilson’s Plover chick? – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

Many shorebird chicks have have the ability to “disappear” when they feel threatened and in part that is due to their cryptic plumage and being able to blend into their habitat. I knew where this camouflaged Wilson’s Plover chick was when I photographed it from a distance but realized that if I didn’t point out that there was a chick in the image that other people might not even know it was there.

Can you see the Wilson’s Plover chick? It is near the top of the mound of sand and just to the left of the only green part of the vegetation there.

Three Wilson’s Plover chicks near some Sea Purslane – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

Wilson’s Plover chicks will take cover in the vegetation on the beaches and they will also head for the wrack lines, settle in and “disappear”. That is great for protection from predators but it can put the chicks at risk of being stepped on by people walking on the beach, the shell-seekers and dogs that are off leash and running loose.

Wilson’s Plover in the golden light of dawn – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/350, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

This time of the year people should be paying attention to where they are walking or driving not just for the safety of well camouflaged shorebirds chicks but for chicks of other species that might be on the ground and for the eggs of ground nesting birds too.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Wilson’s Plover photos plus facts and information about this species.