A nesting plover has thrown one of Tasmania’s biggest junior soccer tournaments into disarray, forcing organisers to rejig fixtures just days before the event kicks off.
The Hobart Cup is set to run this weekend across 14 venues in Hobart, with around 320 teams from 49 clubs competing.
But a Masked Lapwing, commonly known as a plover, has set up a nest on one of the 11-a-side fields at Wentworth Park in Howrah, taking the ground out of action.
Tournament organisers say the bird is protected and the nest cannot be moved.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania confirmed Masked Lapwings are a protected species under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulations 2021.
A permit is required to take or possess a Masked Lapwing or their products such as eggs.
The department said the birds are native to Tasmania and play an important role in the ecosystem.
During breeding season, lapwings choose nesting sites that are quiet, predictable, have short grass and 360-degree views of potential predators.
“Manicured suburban lawns, parks and nature strips fit this description perfectly,” the department said.
“If you see lapwings nesting in one of these spots do not stress or move the birds.”
Sport ovals and golf courses are common nesting spots.
Losing the Wentworth Park field is not as simple as finding a replacement venue, organisers said, as a swap could create travel problems for teams moving between matches.
“The replacement venue may be too far from the original field for teams to travel between matches safely and sensibly, so we now have to review the entire roster to make sure any changes do not create flow-on problems elsewhere,” a social media post from organisers said.
All under-13 to under-15/16 boys and girls fixtures could be affected.
The tournament director asked families to hold off on changing plans until revised arrangements are confirmed.
“We know families have made plans, some teams are travelling considerable distances and everyone wants certainty,” they said.
Organisers assured families all children would still get to play.
“These things are sent to try us and apparently this year they have arrived with feathers,” the post said.
