p.1 #1 · My Killdeer crashed out! For good reason though
Earlier this season had spent some time watching a few Killdeer nests. Pretty amazing how they work together to watch for intruders and try to lure them away from the ground nest with eggs. Here are some of the antics played out to try to lure me away at times. Eventually I earned their trust and was able to get close and keep them both relaxed.
Comments always welcomed, thanks for the visits
Karl
p.1 #6 · My Killdeer crashed out! For good reason though
Fantastic series Karl ! I've always that that was a noble behavior for a bird, pretending to be injured and possibly sacrificing themselves, in order to draw attackers away from the chicks. You captured it beautifully.
Gary
p.1 #12 · My Killdeer crashed out! For good reason though
louie champan wrote:
Excellent documentation of the diversion actions by the adult in trying to lure you away from the nest. Top notch work Karl.
Thank you Louie, had spent several visits over several weeks with these and it was interesting. Rain or shine or snow or heavy wind those eggs stayed protected, what dedication. At first my arrival would get Mom off the nest and she would walk away as to not mark the nest location. Over a period of days I would just pull up somewhat near in my vehicle and get out slowly and sit against my vehicle. She often immediately returned to the nest. Eventually I did slow approaches butt-scooting across the grass to get within 25ft or so for images and observation.
Take care buddy
Karl
p.1 #13 · My Killdeer crashed out! For good reason though
Ted ellis wrote:
Wonderful documentation Karl. It’s amazing to see and record this behavior. Great IQ.
Hello UT. It does reward you when you earn their trust and are able to observe the behavior at closer proximities. This location is a small airport only 10 mins from my house that I frequent. The guys that cut the grass there knew I was observing and made a point to not disturb the nest accidentally while cutting as it was in a dangerous area to get run over with the mowers!
Thanks much
Karl
p.1 #17 · My Killdeer crashed out! For good reason though
sum1sgrampa wrote:
Fantastic series Karl ! I've always that that was a noble behavior for a bird, pretending to be injured and possibly sacrificing themselves, in order to draw attackers away from the chicks. You captured it beautifully.
Gary
Thank you Gary, I have a ton of nice shots on the nest with a low POV. I chuckled watching the head bob up and down with a fairly consistent interval. Some cool looks at their eye lashes too More later ............
Take care
Karl
But now I will have that on my mind next time I hear them call 