Celebrating Plover Appreciation Day Masked Lapwings, commonly known as plovers, are a familiar sight across Australia. Much like magpies, they are often misunderstood as aggressive in spring, swooping at anyone who comes too close. In truth, plovers are simply devoted parents. Their chicks can walk and forage almost immediately after hatching, with parents keeping a close watch over them. When a threat approaches, plover parents may call loudly, make themselves appear larger or swoop nearby. Whi