Lapwings in a Wet Meadow

Several lapwings stand in a wet meadow, their dark backs flashing green when they turn into the light. The nearest birds show their fine crests, pale bellies and black faces clearly. Two more are lifting off in the distance, wings spread above the puddles and low grass.

Shallow pools break up the meadow with bright reflections. Buttercups, reeds and seed heads fill the foreground, while hedges and rounded trees fade into morning mist across the fields. The birds make good landmarks, but their black and white shapes repeat in different sizes. Water edges, feather lines and clumps of grass will help when the broad green sections begin to look alike.