The Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles) is a common bird in Australia. In fact, its population in thought to be growing - which is, unfortunately, not really a typical situation for most birds.
Despite it's growing population this seems to be a bird that suffers a great deal from stress - and when you watch them, they always seem to be on the verge of hysteria.
Although this bird, which was feeding around the campsites at Wilson Prom National Park, was reasonably relaxed I think you can see the growing sense of stress in its eyes!
Eventually even my discreet presence was too much for this bird and it headed, shrieking, to a place about 10 wings flaps away. Funny birds!
Despite it's growing population this seems to be a bird that suffers a great deal from stress - and when you watch them, they always seem to be on the verge of hysteria.
Although this bird, which was feeding around the campsites at Wilson Prom National Park, was reasonably relaxed I think you can see the growing sense of stress in its eyes!
Eventually even my discreet presence was too much for this bird and it headed, shrieking, to a place about 10 wings flaps away. Funny birds!
As ever, you can join in with WBW by clicking on the link below - and also as ever, please feel free to share the love for WBW with other bloggers! Cheers. SM
Seems to me they have become totally habituated to humans. We had them walk by us in the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney no more than a metre away and at the house we stayed at in Tasmania they were always on the front lawn. It is a handsome bird, and even though it became familiar I never became blasé about it.
ReplyDeleteNow this is one bird that always seems to attach me!! I always seem to be in the wrong place for this bird! Great photos Stewart. Thanks for hosting and have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteI love your Wallaby photos below. Yes, poor birds. I always feel bad for the herons when we're canoeing. They fly downstream, only to have us catch up again and again.
ReplyDeleteThat bird certainly seems not to trust you! Even though a bird cannot change its facial expression, its eyes seem to be fixed on you no matter what its posture. Interesting!
ReplyDeleteHow amazing!
ReplyDeleteOf course I am familiar with the Vanellus Vanellus, this one is totally new to me.
Beautiful indeed!
Beautiful photos! I've always found their yellow "mask" to be quite unique.
ReplyDeleteThe bird is always trying to get that mask off its face I bet. Lol. An unusual looking but gorgeous creature.
ReplyDeleteTouring South-West France with American friends - will be back in a couple of weeks. Love your photos, Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteNow we don't have these fancy lapwings in FLorida
ReplyDeleteNo birds to share this week..Funny looking bird..long legs..silly markings on its bill..Maybe it's the mood I'm in..He does seem a bit skittish..I like the yellow..Good pictures of this seemingly mistrusting bird...Enjoy the rest of your week..
ReplyDeleteBeautiful set of images, it is a nice bird !
ReplyDeleteCheers
iSo enjoy your birds! And what wonderful contributions today by everyone!
ReplyDeleteWhat a COOL looking bird, Stewart!!! It looks like it could be Super Hero...:)jp
ReplyDeleteLovely birds Stewart, enjoyed your photos very much. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAww, you need a cloak of invisibility.
ReplyDeletei guess it’s “anxiety issues” must help somehow since the species is thriving.
ReplyDelete