06 January 2009

Avian update #2

About three weeks ago I did a post, Avian Update, on the arrival of two Crowned Lapwing chicks. For the South Africans, it is a kiewietjie.
After being away from Uitenhage for three weeks, I was delighted to see that the chicks are flourishing. The only problem is that whenever I am near enough to photograph them, the light is poor or they are running around. Also true to form the chicks do not remain together. As soon as an intruder arrives they retreat in different directions

Mother is warning me off . Come any closer she says and I will attack. They are very protective of their young.

7 comments:

Sarah said...

They're so beautiful! I adore wildlife, and only wish I could get as close to it as you do. :)

Sarah

Max-e said...

Hi Sarah, these live in a parking lot and I make a point of approaching them daily, so that they get used to me. They have become quite tame, but don't mess with the kids, because ma and pa will give you stick

Raph G. Neckmann said...

I hope they are safe in a parking lot!

I notice the word 'kiewietjie'. In the UK a common name for lapwings is Peewit, which is like the sound of the shrill call they have. I wonder if this is the source of your name for them too?

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

On our camping trip at Cannon Rocks we had a hole in the tree next to our tent with two glossy starling chicks in. The adults were feeding them day in and day out. Got some nice pics which I will post in a couple of days time

Kerri Farley said...

Looks like that beak could do some damage, too! What cutie little birdies!

Avril said...

Ah cute - never seen a baby one before! I have been dive bombed by a mom, though, walking past a nest which I didn't see - luckily I had a hat on!!

Heather Dugan Creative / Footsteps said...

I "rediscovered" your site. -Love the bird photos and will be back again to admire your wildlife!