The beach in question being a mud-hole. But that doesn’t matter to these young Killdeer, only a few days old. We had driven up to one of our favorite birding spots, when I noticed some baby Killdeer walking around the water. I pulled the car up behind a mesquite tree, but in position so I could shoot photos from the driver’s side window.
Killdeer chick
There were four of the little ones, all walking along the side of the mud-hole.
Killdeer chick
The adult mother was a few feet away in hovering mode.
adult Killdeer
Off to our right, was the adult father, doing the broken wing act to draw us away from the children.
Adult Killdeer faking a broken wing, to draw us away from the chicks.
Nearby, a Greater Roadrunner was making plans of his own. He makes a run at the chicks, trying for a quickie lunch, but the two adult Killdeer give him a merry chase and sent him on his way.
Greater Roadrunner
The mother is still wary and she draws her children close to give them protection.
Adult Killdeer with her children.
Soon all four chicks are completely covered by the adult.
Adult Killdeer protecting her children.
Soon after, the adults sensing that the danger no longer existed, released the children and they went back to play. I and Ann were thrilled to watch this display of family love and togetherness.
We were reminded of some dear friends in Houston that have a similar family. There are four children there, too, and the parents are completely devoted to protecting and loving them. The only difference is, that the father may not fake the broken wing. But I am sure he would do whatever it takes.
I hope you enjoyed this post and photos. Click on any of them to see some enlargements.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 