Sports Field in Australia Set to Stay Closed for a Month After Bird Lays Egg

A sports field in Jerrabomberra, Australia, will remain closed for up to a month after a protected plover laid an egg in the centre circle, forcing soccer matches to be moved to another pitch. According to local authorities, who consulted wildlife service Wildcare, the closure is necessary because plovers are highly aggressive in defending their nests and may swoop at intruders. The council added that moving the egg would require special approval, so alternative fields are being used in the meantime. Also known as masked lapwings, plovers are common across Australia and often clash with people due to their protective nesting behavior.