Is this a hopeless mission? We have noticed an apparently abandoned plover's egg in our yard. We ave not sighted the parents at all today. So it has been at least 8 hours (in the sun) alone. Is there any chance the egg could still be viable? If so, do you think we could incubate it ourselves under a lamp or pop it under a broody hen?
I would just leave it exactly were it was, in general birds know what has to be done. They often lay one egg and walk away and will come back later to lay some more. Sometimes they observe from a distance if it's a good and safe place to sit. If it was warm and sunny today, they might not have to sit on the egg to keep it warm. Birds have a good knowledge of when to sit and when not. They do not want to overheat the eggs and cook them. Plovers often get up when disturbed, that might have been the case here? They would also realise if there is something wrong with the eggs. But in this case I 'd think the bird might have been somewhere watching you and the egg. Even if there is one egg lost, there will be plenty of time for more eggs. Let nature do it's thing.
M-L
Thank you for your reply. We have a dog, and kids running around, and mowers, and chooks... So ample opportunity for disturbance. We will leave it and watch.
I fully agree with Araminta. There is plenty of evidence to show that human interference with Nature has unfortunate results. Info, if you can minimize disturbances in your backyard you might be able to see the plovers in action.
thank you for your reply