A golden plover, traditionally believed to announce the arrival of spring in Iceland, was spotted in Stokkseyri on March 28, Vísir reports. The migratory bird’s return to Icelandic shores is a source of joy for locals, as it marks the end of winter.
Hjördís Davíðsdóttir and her husband were taking a customary stroll on the beach in Stokkseyri, Southwest Iceland, late last week when they spotted three plovers. “Spring has arrived, it’s confirmed,” Hjördís wrote in a Facebook post.
The first plover sighting in 2018 also occurred on March 28, a little later than usual. The bird’s average date of arrival to the island is March 23, though in 2017 it was also fashionably late, arriving on March 27.
The European golden plover, also known as the Eurasian golden plover, spends the winter as far south as North Africa, returning north to breed. It’s colouring features a white s-shaped band stretching from its forehead to its flanks.
