At about 8-30 yesterday morning the masked lapwing parents took their chicks from their islet where they were hatched across open water to the edge of the pond in amongst the clumps of dead grasses. Here, and amongst the pink water weed, they were perfectly camouflaged. The move was achieved by the parents moving across first then calling stridently until the chicks followed. Three of the chicks followed immediately, but “Johnny-come-lately” was very hesitant, then started across the water, turned around and went back, and on its second attempt, made it to the other side.
Margaret Leggoe
