02 March 2008

Nesting Kiewietjie

This morning when walking past the Cape St Francis lighthouse I came across this Kiewietjie (Crowned Plover), sitting on her nest.


I first noticed the male and knew that there would be a female nearby, because of his behaviour, which is to lead intruders away. Plovers nest in the open and the female will sit on her eggs until the absolute last moment. They usually produce two to three young and both the male and the female will rear them.



If you get too close, she will "scream" at you and if you drive her from her nest she will attack. By the way I did not drive her from her nest and kept at a respectable distance from her.

14 comments:

S-V-H said...

Very nice pictures, Max-e

and a cute bird.

Tom said...

What a fantastic picture... and her crown is a stunner.. it's nice then old Lizzy's Crown for sure;o)
You asked about people living around Bleak House and the area, folk do live there, but only a had full of so. Mostly farmers, there's a clay pigeon shoot across the vally, the disused train station at Crowden is where I was stood and this is having work done. A game keeper lives near by also. The main road goes right past Bleak house, and when the weather gets very bad Sean Wood will open his doors to all, it is not unusual for him to get woken at all hours if theres been a crash or accident. THe lights will be put on and the kettle will be on the boil.
All the best... I hope all the work Suzi is doing pays off and she can get her feet up with you soon.

Merisi said...

Beautifully captured, such lovely creatures!

Lapwing and partridge behave the same way to avert danger. I used to observe many of these birds as a child. I haven't seen a lapwing in the two years I have been back, I hope they are still around.

MedaM said...

Ah, what stunning photos and how cute bird it is! I am just delighted!

Michele said...

Wow, that is just amazing... great photos... I am impressed!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous shots! I love the second one

Kerri Farley said...

Wow! Fantastic shots Max!! Her eyes, her beak, and her crown are AMAZING!!!

myonlyphoto said...

Max-e wow you must have been really friendly that she did not scream at you, lol, very nice close zoom of the plower. You really got nice photo set here. Anna :)

photowannabe said...

Yes, that Mom seems to say don't you dare...great shots Max

Swubird said...

Wow max-e. These pictures are just great. They make me feel like I'm right there with you. Such and interesting place you live in.

HAve a great day.

Max-e said...

Susanne, thanks for the comments. These are really delightful birds.

Tom, maybe you should pass this on to the royal designer. Thanks for the other information.

Merisi, glad this has brought back memories for you. I have not heard of a lapwing, so will Google it.


MedaM don't be fooled by her looks, she can get to be quite nasty if her eggs are threatened. She and the male are quite capable of driving of quite large intruders.

Michele, thanks for the comments, I really appreciate them.

Jenty, glad you like it. It is one of my favourites too.

Kerri, this made a change from the usual bird photography - she was sitting still - so I was able to compose the shot and make sure that it was properly focused :) Thanks for commenting.

Anna they allow you to get vey close when they are nesting, but when you cross a certin "line" they tell you that is far enough. I made sure I did not cross the line.

photowannabe, indeed she is. Thanks for comments.

Swubird thanks for your comments. This is a very interesting part of the world - so much to see and do. Since I have been blogging, I am seeing it with different eyes.

karoline in the morning said...

fantastic shot!

Anonymous said...

Incredible photo Max-e. It is just great to see her in such detail.

Heather said...

those are awesome shots...the detail is amazing!