Killdeer nesting

Filmed on an abandoned lot on Long Island, NY - late spring 2006. Having watched them for the past 3 years in this same lot, I am not fooled by the 'broken wing' display ;) She was a bit angry with me for the intrusion as you can hear! One must be careful walking around the eggs, they are very hard to spot. Only two eggs are shown, but a few days later the full clutch of four was there, and all hatched a month later.
See my other videos for newer clips.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Killdeer
• plover
• birds
• nesting
• animals

[greenbunny6]

I took a video of our bird at work doing this, then came online to find out what type of bird it was. I love this video, thank you so much for posting it.

[vela1492]

You're very welcome! You were probably near the nest (it's that time of year for them), so be careful if you see a clutch of eggs on the ground! They can be very hard to spot.

[vela1492]

Well, there's still only one egg in that nest as of today, I'm guessing it is abandoned now - not a problem because I found a new nest in a different location, with all four eggs in it! Not sure when incubation began so I'll have to keep an eye on it daily for the next few weeks. Hope to have new video posted this weekend, stay tuned...

[bigsidfan]

What do Killdeers eat, A friend found a baby one that is really small and fits in my hand.

[vela1492]

Insects mostly, about 95% of the diet is bugs - I guess small seeds make up the rest but not too sure. They eat lots of insects we think of as pests, that's a good thing!

[vela1492]

hehe no harm done. i usually stop there around 11:30 am, or a little after 1pm, to finish some paperwork quietly. I was there again today, still only one egg and no parents in sight - if we run into each other I'll show you where it is - and hopefully we'll get a 'broken wing' act ;) I'm toting the camcorder every day now just in case. Thanks for the comments, and take care!

[romeodelta1178]

awesome!

[greenbunny6]

@vela1492 When we were on foot, the mama was apparently yelling at the babies to stay hidden. We went back around on a golf cart, and she wasn't nearly as upset. Go figure. Again, thank you so much! :)

[Crystalwolf78]

I ran into a mate pair and 3 chicks in front of my Bank I hope the 4th didnt get ran over somewhere but i was afraid one chick kept running out in the middle of the street this was in Wisconsin

[PattiAnne70]

I had never heard of a Killdeer but this is the best!

Patti

[damianhedderson]

look,she is pissed because you came close lol

[WARNINGx3HYPER]

these birds scare the shit out of me.

[aylataN]

From what I understand; the female killdeer have red eyelids, the males have yellow eyelids (??)

I think these birds are so awesome.

[wildbirdlover]

That is awesome to catch this on video