The other day, Keith Porteous, also known as The Wildlife Rescuer on social media, got a call about a baby animal trapped in a drainpipe nearby. The concerned rescuer hopped in his car and headed to the scene.
The baby was a masked lapwing, also known as a plover. According to Porteous, these birds are notorious for nesting in risky areas. They prefer to nest in large, flat fields, allowing the bird parents a 360-degree view of any danger. But in recent years, the birds have changed course.
“As large green areas become less common due to property developments and general urbanization, [plovers] will build [nests] on roundabouts, central reservations, road sides and people’s front gardens,” Porteous told The Dodo. “An increasingly common nesting spot in urban areas are large flat roofs, as was the case here.”
Seemingly, the little hatchling wandered across the roof looking for food and accidentally walked into the open drainpipe, rocketing back down to earth.
Porteous carefully pried open the drain and grabbed the fluffy baby stuck inside. He was pleased to find the chick hadn’t sustained any major injuries.
“It’s always a feeling of relief and joy after a successful rescue, especially with vulnerable young,” Porteous said.