My friends and I came across these tiny birds and then went back this afternoon to try to get a shot of them. we found an inland sandy pond behind the dunes and much to our delight this tiny creature came running across the sand. At first we didn't realise what was happening, but then it ran over to a patch of sand and sat on two speckled eggs ) which we hadn't even noticed) I have checked the book completely but cant decide. I was thinking it was a double banded plover or similar, Any help here would be appreciated.
I have decided it is a red capped Plover.... any takers?
Sunshine Coast Queensland
No idea on the id sorry as my books are packed ready for holidays..... But that is a great photo and I love the eggs in the nest!
i also am going for a red capped plover the male's cap is much redder
Top shot Birdie....you have done very well to get one on a nest.
Thanks guys..... I couldn't believe how tiny these little birds were, the egg is about a third of their body size I think!!!!
My eyes could not even pick them up well on the beach as they are so small and blend into the sand perfectly. this morning I walked about 2km to the same spot but this time did it along the beach at about 5am. Just beautiful, with a flat ocean and very sultry conditions. I was actually hoping to see the WB Sea Eagles that I missed a shot of yesterday, but i found their nest.... looks more like a block of flats than a nest though! it is massive and it overlooks the sandy pond where these little plovers have their scrape in the sand and guard their eggs seriously! I was thinking that to a sea eagle from the air they are so well camouflaged in the dead twigs that it wouldn't even rate a second look. I haven't checked out todays shots yet as we have been travelling but I am hopeful for some good ones.
Sunshine Coast Queensland
This is the shot I got today while they were off the nest for a short while
and the male with his red cap looking more obvious
and I am presuming this is a male and female
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Good shots Birdie, that is the male and female.
Just as a point of interest their egg colour and markings are very similiar to a Masked Lapwings eggs, Or as I prefer call them, a Spur Winged Plover.
Well the size of them compared to the bird looked like they should have been for a masked lapwing that is for sure.
Sunshine Coast Queensland