Curlew are waders and so are most commonly seen on river estuaries and sea shores but, they like to nest in scrub land and fields, hence there are Curlew on the patch, in the breeding season but also fly over from time to time.
Essentially, in late Spring and into the Summer months we have Curlew out in the fields, sometimes, depending on the use of those fields. In April I heard and saw them flying over the patch, a good indicator that they are at least looking for a nest site or already have one. They very skittish birds and will take flight for the slightest disturbance, there are a few fallow fields this year so, more opportunity for them to nest.
Those were taken in April, usually when i had strayed a little close to their location, I never saw the nest but it was marked out to protect it.
I did manage to grab a few shots as they circled me.
Most shots have to be cropped because they really do not like getting near us humans
Not a great shot but, I caught that one cruising in to land and shouting its warning.
Again, passing by and shouting their alarm call. They did share the field with some Lapwings who are much easier to capture shots of as they tend to fly closer.
I caught both in the same airspace in that one. I have seen young ones in past years but they're pretty elusive .... there's still time, i think. I realise that Curlew are in trouble like so many of our birds and animals so it is great knowing they nested here.
