When to see
Golden Plover can be seen on the bay for much of the year although they are likely to be absent from late spring to summer as they move inland to breed on the moors. In late autumn it is not unusual to see up to 300. Their numbers can be boosted in late spring by the arrival of several hundred Northern race birds on migration to their arctic and sub-arctic breeding grounds.
Where to see
During the winter they can usually be seen on the eastern side of the bay and frequently on the sands just off the bird-hide. At high tide they move off the bay and will usually be found at roost on the heathland of the east dunes area. When the Northern race birds arrive in spring on their migration, then they can often be seen on some of the fields just south of the bay.
Plumage
Both the Northern race and the local breeding Southern race birds have very similar plumage in the winter months. However, when they acquire their summer breeding plumage in late spring the Northern race birds develop more extensive black on their underparts and heads. Much of the breeding plumage will have moulted by the time they return to the bay in Autumn.
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