Good onya Mum II

The Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles) otherwise known as the Clown Bird in this household because of its facial ‘mask’ (pictured left) is a raucous bird around these parts. Because of the unique design and structure of its nest it is a wonder, from an evolutionary stand-point that it is still around.

The Lapwing nest consists of a few sticks dropped on the ground in an apparently random fashion. Into this structure are laid 3 to 4 olive-green eggs which hatch in Spring. The nest is usually located in a clear open space and it’s a wonder they aren’t predated within a few days of laying. The parents aggressively guard the nest calling loudly or try to lead any potential predator away.

Famously eggs have been laid on the local cricket pitch (click HERE) and in the carpark of the recreation reserve, pictured left (there are three eggs laid between the wooden rail and the concrete slab. One of the parents looks on in the background). This season a pair of Lapwings decided to locate their nest in the fully fenced local swimming pool area that will not be opened again until mid-November. Maybe they are not so silly after all!

There appears to be only one chick this season that the parents also aggressively defend. If those tactics don’t work a shrill call from Mum sends the chick disappearing into Mum’s chest feathers (pictured below). Chick? What chick?

Good onya Mum.