Larry's Gallery:   Red-capped Plover (3/4)

CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae

Charadrius ruficapillus  

Nikki and I were driving along a narrow gravel road when we came upon this plucky plover only a metre off the road.

We didn't realise at first that it was sitting on eggs until we stopped and it tried to draw us away by playing the wounded bird routine that ducks are more famous for.

The chances are high that the eggs will be run over by a motor vehicle before they hatch.

Nikki's and my photos show how well camouflaged the bird on the nest is, even more so the eggs by themselves.

I use the term 'nest' loosely as it is nothing more than a shallow depression amongst the gravel. I wonder if the bird does any preparation at all, such as moving stones, prior to laying the eggs.