Plover Diary

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This morning
after breakfast
it was time to check
on the Plover status...

Beloved left with the binoculars
while I wrestled with my
ankle brace
and stuffed the fat and wrapped foot
into my sports shoe


Before I had achieved
this challenging task
Beloved returned
with a smile on his face
and refused to answer any questions
So off we went...



Two baby chicks
are now at the nest
one in front
and one behind the sitter

when I returned from the gym
I noticed parent # 1
preparing to cross the road
looking both left and right
as any careful road crosser should...

I stopped
and watched him enter
a spare block
to hunt for lunch




and then I had a brilliant idea...

I drove my car
into the park access
and noticed that the parent # 2
sitting on the nest took
little notice
so I slowly made my way closer
see how fat and fluffed out she is
to cover her little brood

slowly I circled around her
lowered the window
and snapped like crazy

At times
she readjusted her position
allowing me to glimpse
on either side
a baby chick

Now remember what I told you
don't go too far
I can't come and get you
I've still got work here to do

Ok Mum
I'm just looking

perhaps a little walk
might be fun

are you coming
Plato

not yet brother
Pliny

maybe
I'll just stick around here
after all

After my physio session
I returned to the park
in my car
and saw that the plovers
were having trouble
with the magpies who were swooping
on both the chicks
and parents

there are now THREE chicks
being cajoled and corralled
by the parents

Pliny the elder

Pythagoras and Plato

So what had happened to the fourth egg -
the nest was now unattended
As I drove slowly by
I spied a newly hatched chick
resting in the sun

I think it is Periwinkle Plover

up ran a watchful parent

who fluffed her wings
and chest feathers
squatted over Periwinkle
and took her into care

Because I am unable
to get a close image of the chicks
(I am waiting on my new Canon)
I have sourced one from Wikipedia
for you to view



It must have been very cramped
in that little egg
for a chick of this size
with such long legs...





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