The books I have looked-up on the Masked lapwing don’t seem to mention
‘locally nomadic’. My impression was during winter the youngsters formed groups
(but the adults stayed in their territory). Usually the groups were around ovals
or along Parksway. But this winter (specifically in June-July) I saw none.
During the rest of the year I see pairs almost all the time when driving to work
along Parkes Way or at Hawker Ovals, where there are usually many.
In July there were no birds at either Hawker ovals or Parkes Way.
Around the end of July 1 bird reappeared at Hawker Ovals East of
Belconnen High. This bird appears to have lost its mate. Early August a pair
turned up N of Belco High at Softball ovals.
Early August, pairs reappeared on Parkes way, one near Commonwealth Rd
overpass, another further along at ANZAC Parade. On Saturday
25th another pair was also near the Clunies Ross underpass at
ANU.
A pair has also recently turned up at Lake G recently, on the West shore. Which I
have been checking for cormorants.
A pair was also seen at the corner of Belconnen
Way and
Benjamin way, today, and looked like
the female was incubating.
So do the parents also join the Autumn/Winter flocks? Or was it just luck
that this year the sites I visit/know, the pairs disappeared. I wonder if they
stay with their partners over Winter.
Where were the ‘flocks’ this year?
Benj
