ML517306731

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Fantastic find by Miles Brengle yesterday. When a small group of us arrived, everything was still very frozen, and there was enough breeze for cold wind chill—and the bird wasn’t on the polo field, though harriers and horned larks and sparrows were active. After trying a couple vantage points, I found the lapwing resting in a low area out of the wind. From many vantage points it was hidden behind the hill. Back appeared dark brown (in overcast light), but even when it was facing away, I could pick out the head plumes. When it turned its head, its distinctive face pattern showed (white/pale with a dark line under the eye and dark/brown cap). After a wait, it stood up and walked a short way (before taking flight)—bright white belly contrasting with dark upper parts. Saw it in flight a couple times—it got pretty high before landing in a couple out-of-sight places. State bird for Val. Digiscopes included. Location: Parked on Burrage Lane, crossed the street to the gate for Maplecroft Farm trail access. For others who may go: bear left when you go in—don’t follow the farm road when you enter. Instead, take your first left upon accessing the trailhead (42.6698195, -70.8186866) and you’ll be in the clear. Be sure to stay on the marked trail to avoid trespassing (everything off the path is private property). Look for white signs marked with green arrows, or small diamonds. Walk along the trail, around fields (not crossing/entering them). To area near a building with farm equipment outside. The bird did fly around the area. Map: https://www.ectaonline.org/trails/maplecroft-farm-trail/

Technical information

Model

iPhone 12

Lens

iPhone 12 back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6

ISO

125

Focal length

4.2 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/1.6

Shutter speed

1/97 sec

Dimensions

2539 pixels x 1693 pixels

Original file size

2.03 MB