02/11/2025
At this time of year, plovers, or masked lapwings, are trying to raise their chicks. Despite being fiercely protective parents, many chicks do not make it to adulthood with only 10% surviving in urban areas where pets, vehicle strikes and hazards like drains all take their toll as do predatory birds. Parent birds can be annoying when they are trying to protect their chicks, but a little kindness, by giving them some space, means they can get on with their job of raising their young while we can get on with ours. They are also a protected species and it is of course illegal to harm them.
And a reminder, if you do come across any native wildlife in distress, call FAWNA: 65814141
(Image credit: Craig Loxley)