I must admit I'm not a great one for latin bird names. As a scientist I can see the advantages but as someone lacking classical training, well it's just all latin to me. However, when you understand the meaning they do take on a new significance. Take Pluvialis apricaria as an example, this is the latin name for golden plover and comes from the latin pluvia - to rain and apricus - sun-kissed.
Titchwell is a great place to experience sun kissed rain and there are currently over 2000 of these fantastic birds using the fresh marsh. If you truely want to understand the latin name why not visit the reserve and experience it yourself.
Unfortunately these are birds that are probably going to be some of the first to suffer due to climate change. Research has shown that changes in the temperature in both spring and late summer is affecting food availabilty and breeding golden plovers may decline rapidly or even become locally extinct in some parts of the UK.
If you feel strongly about climate change and the effect it is having on our environment why not join The Wave.
Hi Robert
Great report by the way, and i understand what you mean about Latin names - they are as unpronouncable as they get. The thing is that Latin names are considered uniform in all countries. So the birds names remains the same throughout - not the local name attached to the country in question.
Having over-indulged on Titchwell Marsh over the last two weekends - your picture just tells it all
.......Golden Plover everywhere {thumbs up} This is them at their best in the air. Swirling around in a circular group changing shape as they do - landing together, then taking off together once more - not unlike what Starlings do.
It is sad to hear any birds suffering climate change at all.
I will have a look into the Wave, but may not be able to come along due to the day it is on.
Will have a good think about it though. {smile}
Regards
Kathy and Dave