Bush Stone Curlew

The bush stone-curlew or bush thick-knee is a large (55–60 cm wingspan), ground-dwelling bird endemic to Australia. It raises its young in an open site to allow the parents to see predators. If a threat does appear the parents take the argument right up to the interloper with a threatening display They are nocturnal birds and feed at night. These parents had chosen a dreadful site for their family - very open, very hot and right beside the edge of the road. They are in the middle of Brisbane in the grounds of the Royal Women's Hospital.

[sally agnew]

They are certainly risk takers :)

[4rky]

Don't they know the rule? Location! Location! Location!
Hope the youngsters do OK

[Lesley]

Interesting info, they must be hardy birds to live like that.

[Jane Pittenger]

Maybe they thought it being a women’s hospital and all, that their babies would get good care! Amazing creatures

[JackieR]

Just the right place to birth their babies??!

[Dorothy]

Thanks for all the interesting info. I hope they all do well.

[Marnie]

Goodness gracious me, what a place to choose to nest!!! Hope all goes well for them.

[Rob Z]

@4rky Yeah - I'm quite worried about them - and there are some much better places available - I don't know why they liked this spot!

[Rob Z]

@rosie00 Hi Lesley - apparently they are quite scarce - it's strange how they survive in the middle of cities!

[Rob Z]

@jgpittenger LOL Jane. But having said that the hospital and its associated Uni departments do go to some lengths to keep their grounds in a way which helps them survive. But then they go and nest beside the road!!

[Rob Z]

@30pics4jackiesdiamond But maybe a bit further from the road would be good!!

[Rob Z]

@nobled Hi Dorothy - it's sad but I don't hold much hope for them - it's such a public spot and they run across the road quite often. Crazy parents!

[Rob Z]

@golftragic Yeah Marnie - crazy spot to choose. The hospital and the medical school have kept the grounds with areas to suit them - and then they nest beside the road!!