THE masked lapwing, otherwise known as the plover bird, has made Highlanders a little nervous.
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With its over-protective parenting and eerie late night calls, keep a lookout for this swooping buddy during autumn.
Backyard Buddies is a free program run by Australia's Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.
Each month, participants receive a backyard buddies email (B-mail) with tips to make your backyard inviting and safe for native animals.
Masked lapwings featured in the group's April B-mail.
CEO of the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife Susanna Bradshaw said the masked lapwing was a very protective parent which wasn't afraid to chase away animals and people it saw as a threat to its young.
"This means many residents have learnt to tread carefully when walking through the lapwing's favourite nesting spots like ovals and grassy parks," he said.
"While these birds make the most of a warm, wet autumn, you can expect them to start nesting and increasing their defensive behaviour. There will be more swooping at park visitors and making a racket if you get too close to their nest or babies. But you'll be pleased to know that they rarely make contact with you-it's all just a part of their performance."
Sign up for B-mail and download a free fact sheet about masked lapwings at www.backyardbuddies.net.au