SHORE LARK

THE SHORE LARK is a scarce winter visitor to the UK in very variable numbers. In a bad year there are only a few scattered around the (mainly east) coast, but in good winters there are several hundred at least. This year is a good one, with some very large (by Shore Lark standards) flocks already gathered at sites such as Holkham Gap, in north Norfolk, where there have been more than 50 from late October. Shore Larks are almost exclusively coastal birds in the UK, found shuffling around on the ground feeding on seeds and small invertebrates. They are not particularly shy birds, but can be very unobtrusive. With a decent view, though, the Shore Lark is a very pretty bird, with all the goodness concentrated at the front end in the yellow and black face and the tiny, thin feathery horns at the back of the head. Go to seek them this winter, as it may be the best chance to see decent numbers of Shore Larks for a while.