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While hunting insects or other invertebrates, the killdeer moves erratically and begins Every time they stop, they always bob their heads up and down as though they are experiencing severe hiccups. They are actually pumping their tails, and the head follows suit. It’s a joy to watch them.
Killdeer are high-strung birds. If they’ve noticed you close, you might see them perform a tense and funny dance in which two Killdeer approach and pause to bob their heads. They then pass each other side by side, but then they stop, turn to face each other again, bob their heads, and repeat the sequence.
Killdeer may have from one to three broods per season. I’d like to think that the same Killdeer couple was trying again because this nest was located very close to the site of the first nest. Though I can’t verify it, my intuition leads me to believe that. Isn’t that a wonderful thought?.
I hastily took a picture of the lone egg in this first nest to show that the laying had just started before I withdrew. You can only imagine how happy I was with my good fortune: in about 30 days, I would have a good vantage point at the top of the slope from which to observe ongoing nest activity and possibly take pictures of a brood of 4-6 chicks.
The deer started showing up on the mudflats surrounding a lake close to my house in the oak woodlands south of Yosemite National Park this past April. I was really hoping to take pictures of their young and nesting behavior. Here is my story of the mating of three pairs, five nests, twelve eggs, and seven chicks. It’s complicated, so sit down, relax, and read on.
FAQ
What month do killdeer eggs hatch?
Do Killdeer leave their eggs unattended?
Why do killdeer lay their eggs on the ground?
Do killdeer sit on their eggs at night?