Thinking of species which happily nest smack bang in the middle of mowed lawn areas in a busy urban park, I can't think of an equivalent anywhere else in the world.... but Masked Lapwings do just that, with enviable success and a unique place in the local (and national) avifauna.
Back at the Botanic Gardens they trot around merrily, effectively ignoring humans (and allowing approach down to almost head-patting distance), with adults keeping a not-so-tight rein on juveniles, and clutches laid in superficially the most vulnerable places imaginable.
But a combination of intriguing adaptation, excellent rangering, a no dogs policy and fiercely protective parenting evidently produces the right results.
