Kildeer Rocky Nest

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Kildeer Rocky Nest

Blog Entry.................Vol. 1.. Ed. 11.................... 04/08

Last year we watched a Kildeer pair raise their young after nesting on the beach. The water level was down at that time and the beach offered plenty of grassy cover to make a wonderful nesting habitat.

This year the water level has remained at the full level which happens to be our backyard. For the last couple of weeks we have seen a Kildeer pair in the grassy area of the park across the street doing the mating dance.

Spring mating was my first thought after noticing the antics of the Kildeer in the backyard, and I watched with much delight as they performed an amazing colorful break dance. The only question in my mind was they didn't do this while we were inside the house. They only acted like this when we walked by the rocky area near the back porch. Well that means this act was for our benefit not a mating dance.

The show went something like this. First they would get my attention with a tail flare then the Kildeer would run away from the rocks, drop, and roll while holding their wings out laying very still on the ground. They looked as though they were injured a broken wing effect. Any good birder will tell you this is a common trick to lure predators away from their nest. The nest is well hidden but vulnerable since it's built on the ground.

Each egg is spotted to blend into the surrounding area. Eggs are 1 5/8" long with a very pointed end. - Genoa

Can you spot the nest in the rocks?

Kildeer pair guarding their nest nearby.

How to lure predators from their nest using the old trick, "I'm hurt, come and get me."

When the predator follows they jump up and run further from the nest then repeat the fake injury. Hopefully this will confuse the predator and lure it far from the nest. With any luck the young will be safe from harm.

Do you see the nest in the center bottom of the photo?

Kildeer sitting on the nest. Hint center of the photo.

Here she is. Still in the center of the photo.

See them now?

Photo Tip:

You never know where you will find a "creative" moment, it may be just outside your backdoor. Look around your world and discover your own adventure close to home. - Genoa

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