Lis and I were on a hike in Upper Bidwell Park in Northern California when we came across a Killdeer nest with four spotted eggs nestled inside. One of the parents went into its 'broken wing' act that they do to try and lure away any predators that may happen by, like us. :D We of course weren't interested in eating the little guys eggs but we did like the act it put on for us. Killdeer facts: Medium-sized shorebird. Legs moderately long. Neck short. Back brown. Underparts white with two black bands on chest. Size: 20-28 cm (8-11 in) Wingspan: 46-48 cm (18-19 in) Weight: 75-128 g (2.65-4.52 ounces) Sexes look alike. Sound: Loud piercing "kill-deer." The Killdeer is one of the most successful shorebirds because of its fondness for human modified habitats and its willingness to nest close to people. Because they live so close to people, however, they are vulnerable to pesticide poisoning and collisions with cars and buildings. Gravel rooftops attract Killdeer for nesting, but can be dangerous places to raise a brood. Chicks may be unable to leave a roof because of high parapets and screened drain openings. When adults lure chicks off the roof, the chicks may die from the fall. However, some chicks have been observed leaping from a seven-story building and surviving. The broken-wing act used to lead predators from the nest would not keep a cow or horse from stepping on the eggs. To guard against large hoofed animals, the Killdeer uses a quite different display, fluffing ...Video Rating: 5 / 5
0 Response to "Killdeer guarding its eggs"
Post a Comment