Plovers Day 3, Day 4

*

Plover Diary

Day 2
Late afternoon

Around 4 pm
I drive into the park
to check on the little family

Three little chicks
are running about

eager to experience the world
taste a few insects
and grubs

and a caring parent
is watching over the baby
Periwinkle

who is yet too immature
to join her brothers...

and nestles into Dad

out of harm's way...

Day 3

at lunchtime
returning home
I notice that the parents
have moved the family
across the road

and on to a vacant block
which should be
much safer for them

The chicks
are already
looking more robust

parent keeps an eye
on his little family

grabbing morsels to eat
at the same time



But I see
only two chicks...



Oh there's another one



But
where is baby Periwinkle

I carefully walk into the park
holding an umbrella
over my head




the nest is empty
deserted...



And
I am sorry to tell you that
Periwinkle is no more

Day 4

This morning the family
have returned to the park
crossing that road repeatedly
is a risk they cannot afford...

The chicks legs are growing
and they scoot about

eating

running

following the regular peeps
of the parents

one...

two
three
hallelujah

let's kick up our legs
and skip

three chicks
on Day 4
survive
and thrive...




Oh Happy Days





*