After a hearty lunch (packed from home) and a short nap later, we started to grow restless in the pagoda at Maidanahalli. So we started driving around the place. Luckily, the cloudy day ensured that all the animals were fairly active through the day. Tawny Eagles flew around looking for prey. Green Bee-eaters seemed to be enjoying the weather while catching bees mid-air.
As we drove through one of the off-road tracks, we saw a Yellow-wattled Lapwing that was moving around hesitantly.
We looked around and found the reason – it had a family around the place! Another adult was at the other corner of the field and the 2 juveniles were very well camouflaged. We shut down the car’s engine and sat silently. Slowly, the Lapwings grew comfortable with our presence and started going about their activity of collecting worms.
The scene unfolded like this – the adult Lapwing would find a bug or a worm. Immediately, the juveniles would run towards it.
And would have their meal while the parent watched over.
We spent close to half an hour watching them go about their business. At a point of time, the juveniles came very close to us that I had to make sure they were not under the car or along the path before setting off.
Superb pics and report, Shreeram! Do give me a heads up whenever you plan a trip to Maidenahalli next….