From the day Definitive started we had a breeding pair at the gate, then a few years later we had two pairs and now we have three pairs. It is always entertaining to watch them defend their nests against our clients putting on a show equal to a live show at Monte, their “broken leg” performance needs an Oscar. It is wonderful that they are part of the Definitive Family and we love watching all the new babies being born over the ears – today we have three families and a bachelor (hoping he finds his feathered lady love soon) The spotted thick-knee is nocturnal and squats on the ground during the daytime, making it difficult to spot. It hunts exclusively on the ground, feeding on insects, small mammals and lizards. It nests on the ground, lining a scrape with grasses, feathers, pebbles and twigs. The female typically lays two eggs, and males and females rear the offspring together, with both bringing food back to the nest. The birds will defend the nest and adopt a defensive pose with wings spread and tail cocked and will even peck an intruder. Sometimes they will fake injuries to lead predators away from the nest.