"Laid eggs on the hanbok field of the stadium" — fine of 20 million won if disturbed... Players also avoid the area, and the grass is mowed leaving only the nest

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An unexpected "protagonist" appeared on the hanbok field of the stadium. A protected bird species built a nest on the ground and laid eggs, prompting players to avoid the area even during matches. Even management staff mow the grass while leaving only the spot where the nest is located untouched.

The Guardian reported on the 18th (Korean time) about this unusual situation unfolding at Windsor Park in Riverside, on the outskirts of Lonsdale in northern Tasmania, Australia.

The protagonist is a Masked Lapwing, a type of plover commonly called "flovers" in Australia. The media stated, "One Masked Lapwing has claimed the best spot right in the middle of a local sports stadium," adding, "Cricket matches are held nearby every weekend, but it pays no attention at all."

The issue is that this bird is a species protected under Tasmanian state law.

According to the report, disturbing the nest can result in a fine of up to 21,300 Australian dollars (approximately 20 million won).

The Guardian noted, "For this reason, stadium management staff mow the surrounding grass while leaving the area with the nest as it is," and added, "Players are also playing their matches while avoiding the nest."

In fact, a player from the opposing team was assigned to defend right next to the nest. Fortunately, no significant incidents occurred.

The player said, "It was quite strange at first," but added, "By mid-game, we had gotten used to it. In the end, the plover wasn't that bad."

Subsequently, Josh Patridge of the home team Riverside took on defensive duties near the nest. Again, there were no major conflicts.

Patridge explained, "It was as if the plover knew a cricket match was in progress," adding, "Since we did not interfere with the bird's life, the bird did not try to interfere with what we were doing."

The bird has already garnered so much attention from local residents that it has even been given a nickname.

The Guardian introduced, "Local residents have affectionately nicknamed the bird 'Paf Swoop Plessis,'" explaining it is a pun combining the name of former South African cricket team captain Paf du Plessis with "swoop," meaning the bird's dive-bombing behavior.

Masked Lapwings are also known for their threatening calls and behavior of swooping down at people during the spring breeding season.

At first glance, building a nest on the hanbok field of a stadium where people are running around may seem like a dangerous choice. However, experts explained that it is actually a rational decision for survival.

This is because in a wide grassy area with no obstructions to the view, parent birds can detect danger from far away.

Shane Doherty of the bird conservation group BirdLife Australia stated, "These birds prefer to build nests in open places where they can see danger approaching. They also rely on camouflage colors to hide their eggs and chicks," adding, "Building a nest on stadium grass allows them to clearly see in all directions."

Masked Lapwing eggs are incubated by both parents and hatch after approximately 28 to 30 days. The chicks are known to leave the nest quickly after hatching.

The Guardian reported, "If the eggs are not fertilized, they may be incubated for several more weeks," adding, "If the eggs are destroyed, they sometimes build a nest again in the same location."

Ultimately, the cricket players at Windsor Park will share the ground with this Masked Lapwing until the chicks hatch safely and leave the nest.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original