The Red-wattled Lapwing is back in our garden. I spotted one after about three months. These birds live in open fields, especially ploughed fields and lay their eggs on wasteland on the surface, which match the soil colour, therefore not noticeable. The breeding season is from March to September. So this bird is back for the mating season. Their call is loud and placid normally but frantic, when there is a threat. They move about in short spurts and dips forward. It keeps body well groomed and lives on insects, grubs, etc.
The Yellow-wattled Lapwing is similar in body complexion except for the yellow fleshy lappets above and in front of the eyes.
The other returnee to our garden is Large Pied Wagtail. the name originates form its habit of wagging its tail.It has a black and white plumage, often mistaken for Magpie Robin. I took a long time to make out the difference. They are found adjacent to pools, streams or ponds. We have a wet land area below our property, which might be its normal residence. It has whistling calls and is human friendly. Its mating season is also between March and September. I shall look out for its pair. The male sits on house tops or rocks and makes it s whistling call. They lay eggs near a wetland under a rock, rafters of house, under girders of bridge, etc.
The treasures in nature are many... what we notice are only few.
To be eco-friendly means: learn more about the environment around us.
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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