JAYWALKER

Words: Chris Stafford

Common name: Masked plover, masked lapwing Scientific name: Vanellis miles The masked plover or lapwing is an odd bird, and not just because of its fancy yellow headgear. Equally at home in secluded wetlands and suburban carparks, by turns timid and aggressive — especially in noisy defence of its young — it’s noted for what one writer calls its “bold nesting habits”. Others might use the word “foolhardy”. Also called a spur-winged plover after the yellow “claw” on its wing’s carpal joint, this very visible native tends to nest on open ground and, while breeding, swoop on unsuspecting passers-by (its species name miles is Latin for “soldier”). Most disconcerting is the plover’s complete fearlessness around traffic and many a city driver must pause to let chicks follow mum across the street. If they survive,…

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Good Organic Gardening (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue #13.6

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