STOP PRESS...

*

this morning
on our return
form the Farmers' Markets
I asked Beloved
if he wanted to
check the plover's nest
with me

we crossed the road
and entered the park opposite
through the grevillea lined path way
which was bustling with nectar loving
Rainbow Lorikeets,
Blue faced Honey Eaters
and Brown Honey Eaters

The Plover on the 8am watch
detected our approach
from over 50 metres and
rushed to the far side of the park
where she feigned a broken wing
as a diversionary tactic

making me suspicious
that something was afoot
As I could not see the Plover's partner
and this one was busy
with her display
I walked up to the nest

and lo and behold
great things were happening
a little miracle was occurring

chick # one
was on the way
into the big wide world

and chick # two
was beginning to tap
at the end of his shell


We quickly retreated
and left the parent
to her task
in peace










but came back
every hour or so
over the course of the day
armed with binoculars
to check from a distance
on the family's progress

At one visit the nest was unattended
and I quickly checked
chick # one's progress

free of the shell
and resting
mustering energy
to face life

he lay in the warm sun
and dried off

another time
as I sat with my back to the wall
emulating a tree
just out of sight
of the parent on the nest
but from where I could catch glimpses
through the binoculars
the other parent returned
from foraging

and completely oblivious to me
he strutted into the park
stopped and turned
to pick up a morsel

then continued on his way

the parents took turns
over the course of the day
I watched then change guard
a number of times

Late in the day
from a distance
which unfortunately was
out of my happy snapper camera's range
I watched the mother
and chick # one
sitting in the last
of the mellow sun
as the day faded


I now have to be extremely cautious
as the second parent
has been told by the nest sitter that
she has detected a predator
and I may be swooped on

and as the parent on duty
fluffed her wings
and settled herself
over the three remaining eggs
she tucked the new chick
under the safety of her wing
and settled in for the evening



What a long day it has been
and still only one chick hatched
so far
the parents have worked so hard
and now deserve a rest...


and
one new, little baby chick
begins its life today...



Oh wonderful day




*