I've been posting shots of these Lapwings for about three years and they have again hatched some chicks (four this time). They're almost a month old and I'm very pleased because previous broods have been killed by foxes and cats.
The adult birds are accustomed to humans and seem equally relaxed now that they have four young to look after. I managed to get within a few metres of both adults and young to record these shots. I have uploaded a few shots of the chicks during their early weeks and a couple of the parents.
Thanks for viewing.
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Superb shots. I like the one that looks like it is trying to fly, probably just stretching. Well done
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
So cute George. I've never seen them that young. Thank you for sharing.
Kathiemt
Selby, Victoria
I'm with Dale &Kathie, fantastic photos. And I've been looking for a long time, but not yet seen any.
No3 is simply beautiful. Do they make any noises? That would attract cats and foxes, otherwise just sitting still is not going to protect them.
M-L
Very impressive George!
I'll have to come up and photograph them sometime
Cheers, Owen.
M-L, there are a pair in the park at the back of the Monbulk shopping strip. They had chicks last year and I got photos of them, just not as young as these. I reckon if you go scouting up there you might get lucky.
Kathiemt
Selby, Victoria
Well done, George, in winning the confidence of these birds. In my experience masked lapwings are very aggressive in defending their young.
Araminta, the masked lapwing young use camouflage (& what a great French word that is!) to great survival effect.