Protected plover nests on Tasmanian cricket ground
A protected masked lapwing has chosen to build its nest in the middle of a busy community sports ground in Tasmania.
A bird known locally as Faf Swoop Plessis warms a clutch of eggs. It sits while weekend cricket matches continue nearby without interruption for players and staff at the Windsor Park venue located just outside Launceston in northern Tasmania.
Because this species is protected under state law, ground maintenance teams must mow around the specific site to avoid disturbing the nest. Players steer clear of the immediate area to ensure the safety of the developing chicks.
Great Northern Raiders player Caleb Brewer admitted that the situation felt strange at first. Everyone eventually got used to the presence of the bird and the plover did not cause too much trouble during the middle of the match.
Josh Partridge reached a peaceful mutual understanding with the bird during his turn to field near the nest. He stated that the plover seemed to know a game was happening so it did not want to interfere with their lives either.
“Everyone has learned to live with each other.”