Curlew

This, Numenius arquata, is the UK's biggest wader and is particularly special to lovers of the moors, due to the combination of its habit of overwintering on the coastal mudflats and its haunting "curlee" warble when it returns to the moors as a harbinger of spring.

Although its large size, distinctive beak and plaintive cry make it difficult to miss, it usually steers clear of human intruders onto its territory. However if you stray too close to its nest, you will be "dive bombed", and at such a time its long, curved beak takes on a menacing appearance.

I will wait until JtE has given us his account of his particular favourite summer visitor to our high country, before I move on to the skylark.

EtU