Cutest Baby Birds EVER :) Killdeer Chicks

These guys came through the garden a couple of weeks ago. I think they usually live in the large parking lot across the way and their very naughty little babies led them on a wild goose chase over here. The parents were trying so hard to round the 3 of them up and each time they caught one the other two would run off in different directions.

This is one of the parents trying to lure me away from the chicks by faking a broken wing. When that did not work it had two broken wings, when that did not get me to follow it it flopped on it's back and faked some death throes.

One of the chicks running to it parent when I came outside.

Trying to find a hiding spot... They are very well camouflaged, when they were in the garden they blendedin so well with the mulch I could barely see them

Another...

last one..

Very nice!

Hope they survive the onslaught of cats, dogs, cars, etc.

Resin

Oh my...They are just too cute. How many chicks?

Oh their adorable!

Thanks for sharing these pics plexippus!!

Like all plovers, they lay 4 eggs, so there's a maximum of 4 chicks if they're lucky enough to have 100% survival (which is rare of course)

Resin

There were 3 chicks when I saw them, haven't seen them since, but I am keeping my fingers crossed for their survival, they are neat birds :)

I don't know how any of these sweet little guys survive. I recently discovered one nesting on top of a grave site in a country cemetery. This particular grave site had stone covering it and the nest was in the stone! I didn't go close to her but watched from a distance. She would fluff and settle so I knew she was nesting. When I got home I googled until I found the bird and it was a Killdeer, the first one I've ever seen nesting.

Like your little family, I do hope the babies survive. This beautiful, well kept little cemetery is located in a rural valley with all sorts of wildlife roaming around. How in the world do the parents manage to keep their little families safe, being on the ground all the time?

Mary

A combination of very good camouflage, and the parents will lead potential predators away from the chicks by pretending to have a broken wing, 'inviting' the predator to go after them instead of the chicks. Once they have lead the predator a good distance off, they just fly away leaving the predator hungry.

But still, the fewer predators the better, and a cemetery is less likely to be used by people to empty their dogs than the average public park.

Resin

The chick has really nice legs...like Tina Turner (smiles)

I love their little bodies and long legs!

I love the baby kildeer because they really do look like miniatures of the adults.

It is such a blessing and so rare to see up close and personal precocial chicks newly hatched. What a wonderful treat. I got to witness this same miracle while volunteering 2 different springs at our local "Crosby golf tournament". My assignment was to assist in the volunteer parking area. Yep , you guessed it....it was in a big field, part grass and part gravel. Once we Id'd the nest, we put orange coned around and a metal folding chair over it to prevent cars or people from interfering. It was a real trip watching the parents try to divert anyone from going too close to the nest. And the babies seemed to just pop out... running...very comical.....don't think id' enjoy being a Killdeer mom in a high traffic area!!
Sheri

edited for spelling

This message was edited May 29, 2009 9:32 PM

I 've never seen a killdeer...adult or baby. Thanks for sharing the photos. They are SO adorable!

They really are precious. I love the sound they make. Very distinctive. Always stops me, and makes me look around 'til I spot them. Thanks plexi.