Ripples in the Shallows – Northern Lapwing by S Jayaraj

The Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) is a migratory wader inhabiting open farmland, wet grasslands, and mudflats across Eurasia. Famous for its crested head and iridescent dark plumage, it feeds on earthworms and insects, performing dramatic acrobatic display flights during spring. In this evocative watercolour, S Jayaraj captures the quiet elegance of a Northern Lapwing wading through still, shallow waters. The bird's iconic wispy crest stands tall and proud, defining its distinctive silhouette against a delicate backdrop of pale, luminous blue washes. Through Jayaraj's thoughtful execution, this work captures an intimate moment of serenity where land, water, and avian life quietly merge.