After being known for many years as Plovers, two of these birds have a change in name. Both are now called Lapwings.
The best known of these is what previously was called the Spur-winged Plover.
Many of our readers would probably have to duck their heads as this bird dive-bombed anyone who came too close to their eggs or babies.
The second bird is now called the Banded Lapwing (pictured).
It is of a similar size to the other and has similar habits. It may not be as aggressive as the other but it will still attack trespassers who come close to its nest.
The photo here was taken when this Lapwing had built its nest on the dry grass, a couple of meters in from the side of the runway at the Thangool Airport. The bird seemed quite content there, staying put when any of the planes landed or took off.
The planes would run right to the far end before coming back to the Terminal. The turn-off was only about halfway back so the planes did not come too close to the Lapwing.
At the time when I took this photo, I was principal at the Thangool State School. The aeroplane runway ran right down on the far side of the school fence.
I was able to keep my eye on the bird from the school, but, one afternoon, I wandered slowly across with the camera ready so I could get a better closer photograph. I fully expected the bird to run away or dive-bomb me but it just sat still and ignored me.
I hoped I might spot the adults with their chicks but when I looked across one morning, they had gone.
