Lapwing Blacksmith (Vanellus armatus) – Cape West South Africa

Full Size

It is very difficult to take  a good picture of this bird.  Apart from getting close and the right angle the black patch around the eye often disguises the eye.  Only early morning or late afternoon light gives an opportunity to reveal the eye detail and colour.  This sunrise picture reveals that the eye colour is light brown.  A fairly common and noisy bird that is seldom illustrated fully.