Plover nest
23 August 12
Friends living on acreage have a masked-lapwing nesting behind their shed. Although I knew there was a nest on the ground, and I knew the approximate location of the nest, it was still difficult to spot the well-camouflaged eggs in the grass.
With this nest not protected by foliage, it's important to not step on the eggs or run over them with the lawnmower.
Although it's not hidden within a nest, the clutch of four eggs is marvellously coloured to blend in with the grass.
The masked-lapwing/plover defends its territory against intruders by calling loudly, spreading its wings and then swooping fast and low.
When I first approached the nest, I protected my head against the swooping birds with the first "helmet" that I could find in the garage — a garbage-bin lid!
The masked-lapwing/plover pretends it can't fly in an attempt to lure potential predators away from its nest.
When the swooping bird flies off, I invite our girls to come with me to examine the nest.
I love these encounters with wildlife in their natural habitats with our girls. When we are aware of the creatures that co-habit within our environments, we become more thoughtful about the chemicals we use, the way we cut our grass, the domestic animals we keep and the effects our lifestyle has on the greater world.
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1 · Liz from Wisconsin · 25 August 2012, 03:06
What a wonderful adventure! The picture of you shows how delighted you are. It’s lovely to see you smile :)
2 · Sian · 25 August 2012, 20:16
I came across an egg in the middle of a grassed area. It really seemed like it had just appeared from nowhere. I picked it up to take home and show the kids but later when I googled it I found out it could have been from a ground nest like this.
Obviously I felt awful, but also the egg had been near where some council workers were doing some paving and they may have disrupted it before I found it.
I’m very pleased your friend was able to spot the nest of this lapwing and can help keep it safe.
3 · jackson · 23 September 2012, 16:31
Im 12 years old and go to my nans on a regular basis. They live near a park which has been recently been inhabited by the masked plover. It is really annoying because me and my friend cant play in the park.Pleas Help.