Lapwing Chick Portrait

A tiny lapwing chick calling softly for mum. Derbyshire, Peak District National Park.

Whilst driving through the Peak District one afternoon I spotted these young lapwings huddled together in the road. As a rule I don’t normally interfere with wildlife, but after watching them for some time it was clear they confused and in no hurry to get off the road. After nearly getting crushed for the second time, I realised I had no choice but to intervene and carefully picked them up out of harms way and placed them in a neighbouring field, close to where mum was hiding in the long grass. 

Lapwings are the most widespread of our native waders, however sadly this stunning bird has seen a dramatic population decrease and is now a RSPB red list species.

Lapwing Chick – About Lapwings:

The lapwing is a medium sized wading bird that is often known as the peewit due to their distinctive call. Lapwings are incredibly adaptable birds and inhabit a large range of habitats. Once a common sight in the British countryside this iconic species has seen a dramatic decline in population in recent years due to changes in farming practices and habitat loss. 

You can find more about lapwings here