White fronted Plover
The White fronted Plover ( Charadrius marginatus) is restricted to the Afro-tropical region. All the photographs here are of the nominate form which is found on sandy shores alongside the Benguela Current. A more sandy coloured form (m. arenaceus) is found along the eastern coast & a smaller race mechowi is found along large tropical rivers, like the Sabie River in Kruger National Park.
This individual is trying to distract you away
from the nest.
Going towards the nest.
Settling down.
Nesting among kelp stranded on the beach.
Female calling to the male.
The breeding population of the nominate form is thought to be around 18,000 pairs, although this could be an underestimate due to the isolation of many stretches of beach. It favours sandy areas where rocks are also present, like here at Pearly Beach, where these photographs were taken. This population is basically sedentary, with just local movement to estuaries in winter.
Most breeding activity along this coast occurs between August & February so this pair breeding here is typical. It appears to be doing well here despite frequent disturbance from dog walkers. This and driving along the beach, in the breeding season, are the major threats to this species.
No comments:
Post a Comment