Birds of a feather
Whatever the season, the machair is alive with birds. In spring and summer it is the story of singles and then pairs, as individuals sing and perform their aerial displays to advertise their worth as breeding partners. In autumn and winter it is about flocks both large and small, as resident birds congregate and are joined by others who have flown in from the north to find an easier winter.
Today 100 or so lapwing are roosting in a field adjacent to the machair track. All facing the same direction, they stand motionless, apart from the occasional shift of position from a restless bird. Much as I dislike the idea of disturbing a resting flock, I'm going to have to pass close to them. Hoping to appear less of a threat, I turn my head slightly away and look down, shooting a sidelong glance now and again to see if there is any sign of unease among the lapwing.
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