Plover swoops Qld police officer during roadside breath test in Woree

A routine roadside breath test in Far North Queensland turned into an unexpected comedy scene when a protective plover swooped a police officer mid-intercept.

Video of the moment shows officers speaking with a motorbike rider on Ray Jones Drive at Woree on Sunday before the bird appears nearby and suddenly flies at a female officer, forcing her to duck and circle the bike while her colleague tries to keep the stop on track.

Queensland Police said the officers had their “feathers ruffled” during the unusual traffic intercept.

They said the plover targeted Constable Stork and noted that “yes, that is her real name” as the rider underwent an RBT.

In the footage, the officer speaking with the rider struggles to hold back laughter as the bird keeps swooping his colleague.

“It’s just a plover swooping” he told her, as she laughs through the encounter.

Masked lapwings, commonly known as plovers, are well known across Queensland for fiercely defending their nests, especially during breeding season.

They nest on the ground in open areas and will often swoop people who get too close, though the behaviour is usually meant to scare off a threat rather than cause harm.

Despite the aerial ambush, police confirmed no one was hurt, including the bird.

Originally published as Plover swoops Qld police officer during roadside breath test in Woree