Masked Lapwing and Asian Shrew

Pennybags returned to the nest and picked up another egg. The nest was small and made out of dried grass and small, soft twigs. It was located on the forest floor, partially obscured by the surface-level vegetation but obvious enough to anyone with experience. Pennybags was experienced and thought the nest was in a very convenient location, at least for him.

The eggs were apparently adorned with a camouflage pattern, which breaks up the outline of each egg and helps it blend it with the surrounding vegetation. Or so Pennybags had been told. Since shrews are half blind, he had never noticed any visual pattern. In any case, he never had trouble locating the eggs when sounding out the area anyway.

Hugging the egg close to his body, Pennybags set off, expertly traversing the thick vegetation. Small as it was, the egg was dense and surprisingly hefty. Still, Pennybags was careful to keep a good grip and periodically rotate it for the best results.

15 minutes later, Pennybags was done and back to the nest for the next egg. A strong breeze suddenly swept through the area and Pennybags almost lost his balance. The sound of wing flaps confirmed that the Lapwings had returned.

Although slightly nervous, Pennybags was an experienced egg-walker and was used to doing his job under the his clients' watchful eyes. Having composed himself following that unexpected interruption, he pulled the egg closer to himself and tried his best to look diligent whilst setting off for another tour of the area.

His services consisted of an advanced get-ahead enrichment programme that involved twice-daily 15-minute guided tours of the surrounding area complete with engaging introductions to local flora and fauna. The physical aspect of the tour provides young birds-to-be with fresh air and a tactile sensory experience. It also gave Pennybags a good workout. As for the 'running' commentary, Pennybags found it helpful to have a captive audience, and often pointed out to prospective clients that he had never received any complaints from his charges.

Pennybags was probably the best egg-walker in the area and being the entrepreneurial soul that he was, he ensured this was reflected in his fees, and his journey home was always accompanied by the sound of jingling coins.