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Wm. Bates | all galleries >> Galleries >> A New Beginning...Picture A Day > Killdeer on Eggs 07_16_06.jpg
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16-JUL-2006

Killdeer on Eggs 07_16_06.jpg

Today we have a shot from a guest photographer, 'Wanda". She has kind of taken over the 20D and the 100-400IS lens. She has been watching the little killdeer hen sitting on her eggs for a couple of weeks. The nest is right along the side of a busy street. We have been worried that someone would destroy the little nest.

Here are more of Wanda's photographs http://www.pbase.com/slowpokebill/images_by_wanda


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Monte Dodge03-Aug-2006 06:32
v..One of my favorite little birds...
John Storjohann 18-Jul-2006 16:32
You've got a good heart, Wanda. I did a quick bit of research (see! you even had me wondering if they were OK!)...kildeer chicks are able to run about as soon as their down dries after hatching, and are completely independent after ~21 days; from what I've read, it isn't uncommon for them to leave the nesting area with mom as soon as they've dried off. Chances are that the brood is healthy; is there a pond/body of water nearby? Might be your best chance to spot them.
Wm. Bates18-Jul-2006 13:05
From the very first day that I spotted this bird sitting on her eggs, I would drive by at least twice a day, watching and waiting for when the babies hatched. I am so glad I took this picture when I did, because the very next day she was gone! I searched all over in an effort to spot where they had wandered off to. But there was no sign of them anywhere! I had hoped to get a shot of the hatchlings, but I fear they will be all grown up before I find them again.

The good news is, I didn't see any of them mashed on the road! (optomistic smile)

Wanda
Steven Jusczyk18-Jul-2006 06:42
Well done!
Jim McKinlock17-Jul-2006 23:43
Very nice, I like that you can even see the eggs.
Eric Hewis17-Jul-2006 21:13
Who's this Wanda?
She takes a mean picture.
Bob Foisel17-Jul-2006 17:33
Nice detail and capture
John Storjohann 17-Jul-2006 17:04
I hope the kildeer - and her chicks, once they hatch - make it. Particularly given the mother's response to a perceived threat - they'll fake a wing injury and try to draw the threat away from the nest. Interesting behavior to observe and photograph, but it could be a concern on a busy street! It looks like three eggs in the cluster (at least observable)...I look forward to seeing some photos once they hatch!
Arno Meintjes Wildlife17-Jul-2006 16:09
Outstanding image. Fine detail
Bryan Murahashi17-Jul-2006 15:29
Very nice nature shot. V