We have a number of masked lapwings around on our property, and we don't mind being swooped and the horses and dogs pretty much ignore them so no problems having them around. We just avoid their typical nesting areas during breeding season and we all manage to live pretty harmoniously.
However I discovered this morning when I went to ride a horse in my arena, that one has laid 2 eggs down one end. I worked the horse up the half of the arena to avoid the eggs and it gave up swooping at me after a short time, but I really can't keep doing this on a permanent basis as it only gives me a tiny area to ride in. Once the eggs hatch the lapwings will guard their young much more fiercely, and its rather dangerous being on a young horse and being swooped from above!
Is there any way of relocating the eggs even a short distance without ruining their viability? I'd be quite happy if the eggs were just out of the arena, at least then I could use the whole area to ride in.
Cheers
Suz
Hi SuzWD
I do not think it would be safe to relocate the eggs.
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I can tell you that as soon as the chicks hatch, they will be mobile (as farmyard Chickens are), and the adults can then can move them off to a safer position.
The BiBY info page for the Masked Lapwing says:
"This nest is often placed in inappropriate locations, such as school playing fields or the roofs of buildings. Both sexes also incubate the eggs and care for the young birds. The young birds are born with a full covering of down and are able to leave the nest and feed themselves a few hours after hatching."
My advice is, if you can be patient, please leave the eggs where they are.
Denis
Denis Wilson
www.peonyden.blogspot.com
Hi Denis,
Thanks so much for your reply! We've watched many of them lay and hatch around my property over the years, but been lucky enough that they haven't chosen this spot before now - if they lay in the horse paddocks we just usually set up orange cones around their nest and leave them be!
Any idea how long the eggs take to hatch? Its rather difficult for me to have nowhere enclosed to ride my young horses for training, but if its a short period of time I can probably work the horses somewhere else in the meantime!
Cheers
Suz
Hi SuzWD.
I knew I should have looked this up. But as you are proposing to wait for the eggs to hatch, I will help with this extra bit of info.
"The incubation period is 28-30 days"
http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/LJEM-6FSV2E?open
At least if you do wait, you might get some very cute photos of little balls of fluff. Best wishes.
Incidentally, this incubation period is relatively long, because the chicks need long development period in the egg, so that they come out fully feathered, and ready to run. Compare that with the helpless chicks of most small birds, which do not even open their eyes for few days.
Best of luck
Denis
Denis Wilson
www.peonyden.blogspot.com
Hi Denis,
Thanks again for your post and excellent info!
Its going to be a long month I think - I will try and get around it somehow! I'll have to try and stop them from nesting there next year!
Yes will hopefully be able to get some photos as they hatch
Cheers
Suz
Visiting Apple Tree Bay in Kuringai Chase National Park on the weekend, there are heaps of Lapwings nesting and raising young on the heavily visited grassed areas there.
In one case one was sitting on an egg right next to a gutter and near where tour buses park. The rangers knew about it yet would not even rope it off, quite disappointing.
But yes they have a habit of nesting in not so ideal places but of course, that is the fault of humans not the birds.