Killdeer have a unique way of protecting their offspring. If a predator approaches their nest too closely, the adult Killdeer will put on an interesting show. The Killdeer will begin to feign an injury and attempt to lead the intruder away.

Killdeer - Diversion

Killdeer - Diversion

Killdeer - Diversion

The act is very effective and gives the impression that the adult bird has a broken wing and is vulnerable. Once the killdeer has lured the threat safely away from the nest, she will take to the air leaving the predator empty-handed.

Killdeer - Diversion

Killdeer - Diversion

Killdeer - Diversion

Killdeer - Diversion

Killdeer - Diversion

Killdeer - Diversion

Of course this kind of behavior can be a dead giveaway for a photographer. Once we spotted this activity in the parking lot of Coyote Ridge Elementary School, it only took a moment to locate the nest and the three Killdeer chicks it contained.

Killdeer - Diversion

After a couple of quick pictures, we stepped aside and watched from a distance as the adult Killdeer quickly returned to the nest with no one the worse for the wear.

Killdeer - Diversion

Killdeer - Diversion

 
County Dallas
City Carrollton
Date Jun 22, 2008
Time of Day Afternoon
Temperature Hot (greater than 89°F/32°C)
Weather Clear
Habitat Community-Church/School/Civic
Type of Behavior Care of Young
Gender Mixed
Maturity Mixed
Observer Chris Jackson
Main Article Killdeer Observation Location

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