Of all the birds that I look forward to each spring, by far the one I most look forward to is the Kildeer. I first discovered this bird nesting on our driveway while living with my parents years ago. It seemed to come back every spring for a number of years, and our challenge was to try and find the nest, without stressing the mother.
Kildeer nest on the ground, hidden in plain sight. I have seen them nest on the sandy sides of roads and on gravel driveways.
A few years ago, a kildeer chose our driveway to nest in, and seemingly has come back the last two years. What most people see is the mother (or father?) walking excitedly on the ground seeming to favour a dragging wing, as if it was injured. What you soon realize is that this intelligent bird saw you coming in the distance and has walked away from his/her nest and is distracting you away from her eggs...
Only twice, once at my parents and once two years ago, have I happened upon the nest as the birds were hatching. This process happens fast, and immediately as they are all hatched (in my experience I have seen two to four eggs), they quickly follow their mother disappearing into the shrubbery, and are very hard to locate after birth.
I have tried to find the nest this year, unsuccessfully to share my own pictures/video with you, and instead will share this, enjoy
Kildeer broken wing act
Kildeer Nest
Kildeer hatchlings
... and if you drive or walk slowly, and keep your eyes open, you might be lucky enough to spot a kildeer yourself.
Chris Smith CSSBB
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We have Kildeers too Chris! Never knew such a bird existed until we moved to our current home and they visit regularly.....we just love their song....sounds like they are laughing!
Isn't interesting what parents do to protect their young? Creatures great and small never cease to amaze and enlighten. Have a great day! ~ Jennifer the IHI Home Inspections office girl
Al and Peggy, if you find their nest, you too, like us, will be fascinated and enjoy their antics...
Jennifer, if you ever see a kildeer feigning injury, you will never forget it...
Great videos Chris. It's really amazing what we can find when we walk around with our eyes open instead of worrying about everything all the time. I hadn't heard of Kildeers before, now I'll be on the lookout for them.