Gone. One day the two resident Curlew chicks were in the relative safety of the backyard , then they were missing the next morning . Their parents had been making it clear to the large chicks that they , like millennials , should leave home and fend for themselves . Apart from giving the chicks an occasional strong pecking , the parents , once more , were showing signs of being broodie, wanting to be left alone .
Two more eggs were laid , and the male went on the defensive, above , when the nesting partner was approached . Once more a fat possum had to be sent packing when it upset the nesting Curlew at night . A large palm frond fell down and narrowly missed the bird sitting on the eggs, its partner rushing in with wings outstretched, hissing when this blogger removed the frond. Another night and a fat possum and two young ones romped about , causing more trouble .
Out the front of the property up to 10 Curlews , including Wingy and Skinny Minnie , now rush in at feed time . The evicted chicks could be in the throng , but it is hard to tell , despite being asked, in a squeaky voice , if they are Little Darwin's Chicky Whickys.
WORRYING EVENT
Soon after two chicks hatched on an adjoining property , right next to the road , there was heavy rain . A distressed chick , above , was found in the gutter one night , taken home by a carer and looked after . Then it was returned to the assumed parents , who took it back , but it has not been sighted since then .
 |
Last sighting of chick .
|
