Plover, not a fighter: masked lapwing nesting on Tasmanian cricket ground indifferent as play continues

A masked lapwing has taken up residence in the middle of Windsor Park oval in Riverside, located just outside Launceston in northern Tasmania. The bird, which is warming a nest of eggs, has remained indifferent to weekend cricket matches held around the community sports ground. Locals have nicknamed the plover “Faf Swoop Plessis,” a play on the name of former South African cricket captain Faf du Plessis.

Because the species is protected under state law, individuals can face fines of up to $21,300 for disturbing nests. Consequently, ground staff have been required to mow around the site while players avoid the area.

According to The Examiner, players have adapted to the bird's presence during matches. Caleb Brewer of the Great Northern Raiders was stationed directly beside the nest early in the season, noting that while it felt weird at first, the group eventually got used to it. Riverside first-grade opener Josh Partridge also fielded near the plover, stating that a mutual understanding was reached because the players were not interfering with the bird's life.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Guardian, The Guardian Australia — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.