Anyone have an idea what may have happened to my latest killdeer nest? Found it in my gravel driveway 2 days ago with one egg. I put out a little flag and a couple of larger rocks nearby to help prevent it from being run over. Yesterday came the 2nd egg. Today, the eggs are gone with no sign of mom and dad. Surely they could not have moved their eggs, could they? Did I interfere with them too much? Or maybe a snake got the eggs? In any case, i am sure mom must have a couple more eggs to lay. I just adore these odd little birds and look forward to finding their nests every year.
Killdeer nest disappearance.
Well you didn't do anything wrong. It does sound like a predator got to them.
Crows, jays, foxes, raccoons, etc., etc. - no end of things around that would happily eat an egg or two. That's why they need such good camouflage!
Remember the adults can be quite long-lived, up to around 20 years; in their whole lives, even though in that time they might lay 80 or more eggs, each pair only needs to raise two chicks to adulthood for the population to remain stable. The corollary is that the vast majority of eggs laid don't make it. Sounds nasty, but it is natural, and there's nothing can really be done about it.
Resin
Thanks, friends. At least I don't feel that i contributed to the disappearance. I am much happier when they don't choose my gravel driveway, but that's life! I believe I am going to enjoy this site.
I love killdeer, too. I remember them fondly from my childhood. I'm always reminded of summer when I hear them. You will LOVE this site. Welcome.