Thank you to the Yorkshire Dales Moorland Group for sharing this short video and the accompanying words below. You can find their Facebook page here.
Originally posted on 8th February 2025
The golden plover (Pluvialis apricaria) is a regular breeding bird on our managed moorlands. They require areas of very short vegetation to breed, especially young heather that is emerging from controlled burning sites.
Our moors are internationally important habitats for golden plover with over a third of the breeding population (probably more) breeding on grouse moors here in the UK. Their call is a mournful, almost flute-like evocative whistle that is synonymous with the uplands.
As their name implies, these dove-sized birds are outstandingly beautiful with fantastic spangled markings of rich golden browns, contrasting black bibs set against white edges and a white brow and forehead. As with most birds the males are more striking in colour with the females lacking the bold black belly and cheeks.
As spring approaches the 'goldies' are some of the first waders to return to the moors. Its a joy to witness their return en masse as this indicates that our moors are in good health and still providing optimised conditions for these gorgeous birds to breed.