Take a look at this wonderful looking bird called the Hoopoe (Upupa epops). I couldn’t resist taking pictures of it the other day. It was just outside with the whole family. The little ones were having flying lessons. I was mesmerised!
This bird is a real beauty, its bright colours, unusual markings and orange crest make it impossible to miss as it flies through vineyards. The Hoopoe is widespread in Europe and owes its name to the trisyllabic song « oop oop oop ».
Everyone who walks in France will have seen them. They appear delicate and are usually seen fluttering around the vineyards rather like giant moths. This is all very deceptive because, when pressed, they can out-manoeuvre falcons and they annually make the round trip to sub-Saharan Africa. The Hoopoe is known for many different reasons around the world and over time; in Ancient Egypt as a symbol of joy and affection, it is reputed to have helped Solomon build his temple, it is also considered lucky in China.
This highly distinctive bird is a relative to the Kingfisher. When the bird is alerted it can raise its crest displaying its full beauty. 
