I was out without my camera, ( i usually have it with me) in a suburban Sydney park where i usually see all the most common birds, noisly miners Butcher Birds and Magpies. But I saw what i think must be the young of a bird that i have not seen before, a little wader I think, it was reddish brown, and had lighter brown down around the head.
I wondered if it was a Masked Lapwing, but there was no white on it.
I know its not much to go on but any ideas?
Thank you
I wish I could help but little to go on. However I suspect you have more knowledge than you realise. Why do you think it is wader or like a Lapwing? Are the legs long or short and did you notice the colour? Why do you think it is a youngster, was it the size? Most waders have some white unless in breeding colour. Could it be a seabird rather than awader? Could I ask what park as you seem to be close to my area?
Sorry so many questions but it all helps. Perhaps someone else can then narrow it down.
Sue
Thanks Sue, don't apologise, the questions are useful. I didn't see any white on it, it was mid brown in colour with lighter down around the head. It was in a park in St leonards, where i would not expect to see any water birds, it had long stilt like legs and small body. It was divebombed by a Noisy Miner and ran, didn't fly, into some bushes. It feels like a one off unusual place to find such a bird.
elizabeth
Could be completely wrong here but what about a Brush Turkey chick. It might be expected in the area, the head is a lighter brown than the body and they are independent so no adult needs to be present. Running into the bush seems right and Noisy Minors dive-bomb lots of things near a nest.
I think that you would recognise a Masked Lapwing and see the white and speckling.
Sue
Hi Sue, that is very possible indeed. I am not one hundred% sure, because of the long legs, but you are probably right. Thanks!
elizabeth