CAPTION: Picture of a Masked Lapwing
THE “masked avenger” is out and about in Port Macquarie right now.
Named for its bright yellow facial mask, the native Masked Lapwing can strike fear into the hearts of pets and people when it swoops.
But Backyard Buddies, a program run by Australia’s Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, said the birds, also called plovers, were only protecting their vulnerable nests, and that there was a lot to love about them.
“Masked Lapwings breed after it rains, in winter and spring in the south-east of Australia,” chief executive Susanna Bradshaw said.
“If you see a lapwing sitting on the grass, it’s likely that a whole family is about to spring into life near you. The chicks could hatch within the next three weeks
“As they don’t nest high up in a tree, but out in the open on the ground, they are quite exposed and vulnerable.
“This explains why they are such fierce protectors of their nests and why they scream and swoop at anything that comes too close. This could be a very common sight in Port Macquarie over the next few months.”
Tips to avoid being swooped:
– Vary your walking route to avoid lapwing nests for the next few weeks. Lapwings only swoop before they lay their eggs and after their chicks hatch. The rest of the time, they are quite shy.
– Hop off your bike and walk past lapwing nests.
– Wear a hat while walking past. Avoid making eye contact or staring directly at the birds.
– Don’t run away in panic as this could encourage them.
– Travel in a group past the nests if possible, as lapwings are more likely to swoop lone walkers.
– Watch where you put your feet so you don’t step on any eggs or a nest among the grass.
– Check for eggs or nests before you mow the lawn to avoid a lapwing disaster.
– Don’t remove eggs. It’s illegal, and the birds will only re-nest and re-lay.
– Keep cats indoors as much as possible and train your dog to keep a safe distance from bird nests.
