One can learn some interesting things about the Killdeer online. Almost as soon as they hatch, they follow their parents, scurrying around searching for something to eat. Even though they can't fly and need their parents, they have a bit of an independent air about them. Though it is a shorebird, of the Plover family, the Killdeer can be found in many places far from the shore. They are also quite skilled at a broken wing routine used to draw attention away from their babies. Yes, precocious is a good description for the Killdeer! :)
SEE - http://www.birdwatching.com/stories/killdeer.html This one was visiting Delta Ponds.