A masked lapwing has taken up residence in the middle of a community sports ground at Windsor Park in Riverside, northern Tasmania, seemingly unbothered by weekend cricket matches. The bird, which is warming a nest of eggs, has been dubbed "Faf Swoop Plessis" by locals, a playful nod to former South African cricket captain Faf du Plessis.
Due to the species' protected status under state law, which carries fines of up to $21,300 for disturbing nests, ground staff have had to mow around the site. Players have also learned to steer clear, with some even fielding directly beside the nest during matches.
According to Mark Holdsworth OAM from BirdLife Tasmania, such a sporting truce is common. He noted that lapwings often become accustomed to human activity, and people modify their behaviour to avoid core nesting areas. Sean Dooley from BirdLife Australia explained that nesting in open spaces like sports ovals is a survival tactic, allowing parent birds a clear view of potential threats.
The West Tamar mayor, Christina Holmdahl, stated that council maintenance teams encounter at least 10 nesting sites annually across the municipality's parks and sporting grounds. Council workers maintain strict buffer zones around the birds and their nests, and the plovers have not acted aggressively towards staff.