Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Killdeer

The charadrius vociferus is a common sight along the Gulf Coast. Their high pitched calls are very distinct, so when I hear them I just follow the sound. Foraging on open ground with low or no vegetation, this species is the least water-associated of all shorebirds. They run in spurts, stopping suddenly every so often to check their progress, probably hoping to unearth an insect. These shorebirds are very skittish and scare easily. I always feel badly whenever I come upon them without realizing, causing them to shriek and fly away in fear.



Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
Marcel Proust

Linking to Anni's I'd Rather B Birdin'

39 comments:

Elizabeth Edwards said...

what a cutie bird. i really enjoy the quotes you pick with you posts. i love the idea of grooming my soul. so true. i think it is daily work. enjoy your day. ( :

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

I don't believe I've ever come across one of these beauties in my safaris near Tampa. Humm.

Hootin Anni said...

One of my favorites!!! I love their eyes...so huge.

Anni @ I'd Rather B Birdin'
and
Hootin' Anni's

Anvilcloud said...

Ya gotta wonder why some species are so fearful and others so fearless -- like chickadees.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

They do look like gentle souls.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Your photos are really good. I see these all the time at the reservoir where I walk in summer, but I've never gotten a good photo of one. They are ground nesters; and they use that running technique to draw us walkers away from their nests. When we're a safe distance from the nest, they take off flying and circle back behind us again.

Bill said...

We had these near the area I grew up as a child. When you heard their calls in March you knew spring was here to stay. Wonderful photos!

Stephanie said...

The quotes that you share are always so wonderful, Gail! Love your sweet bird...I don't think I've ever seen one before.

Have a lovely day! Hugs

TexWisGirl said...

just beautiful shots showing off their huge eye. :)

i have one that has wintered in the yard - inside the circle driveway. that patch of grass is his, apparently. :)

Karen said...

I think it's their lovely big eyes that make them so appealing!

don said...

I'm glad you got these fine pictures of this illusive bird. He had a great color scheme.

Anonymous said...

interesting bird. Such long legs for such a short body

Indrani said...

Beautiful clear captures.

Gordon said...

Lovely shots Gail, I've only seen a couple of these in Florida, and its only when they preen you can see the beautiful colours that are normally hidden.
Take care Gordon.

hootnonny said...

God sure painted the earth with varied critters! Kildeer can be found here at the state park on the big lake. I've seen them in the parking lot there.

The Cranky said...

Finally, a bird we have in common!

The farmers around here used to call them the stupid birds for their habit of building their nests in gravelled areas; including driveways and gravelled secondary roads!

renae said...

WHAT!!? My gosh, a post dedicated to me. ??? my goodness. *shy chuckles*.

Ok - killdeer huh? I thought these were sandpipers. See I need you to educate me on them-thar birdies!!! lol

You are such a wonderful friend. Now I have my curiosity up up up. *another shy chuckle*

Anonymous said...

I love watching these little birds.

Hilary said...

There's something goofy-cute about wading birds.. the way they'll run in and out and along the shoreline. Fine shots, Gail.

Evelyn S. said...

Very common bird in our area....when I walk, I like to try to find the nest, which is generally among rocks alongside a gravel road!

Anonymous said...

I always wondered who they were. Saw them a lot at the each.

eileeninmd said...

I love these sweet birds. They are so darn cute, great shots.

beth said...

are you sure you aren't part bird?
seriously, i think you are and i think "they" know you are :)

Wally Jones said...

Gail, superb photographs of the Killdeer!

It's really interesting to approach them during nesting season and watch their "broken wing" act to lead you away from the nest.

Great post!

maryaustria said...

Wonderful photos! They have beautiful eyes!

Brian King said...

These are beautiful! Killdeers are about the only "shore birds" we have around here.

Debbie said...

What a beautiful shore bird, I too am drawn to those big brown eyes!!

These are great images, really beautiful light!!

Melissa said...

They have such a pretty collar and eyebrow.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Lovely pictures. This bird is sure sign of spring when they arrive here.

Kathy said...

Big eyes!

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

When I was working, one of these birds decided to make a nest on the front lawn of the office building. Right in the middle of the lawn there were 3 eggs but the nest was not much of a nest. Each time we walked by the nest she would jump off and run away like she had a broken wing. I read that is a way to distract intruders away from the nest.
LOVE the up close of the eye, Look at that ring around the eye. What would we do without a camera?

Unknown said...

Just look at those eyes and Look at those legs. This is one good looking bird.. Love your photos.

Hugs~

Anonymous said...

I love these little guys. Great shots!

Linda said...

So charming! Made me smile.

Irma said...

Beautiful photos of this beautiful bird.
The eyes are really great.
Great post.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

They're such a cute bird, but I always think they're kind of stupid for making their nests on the ground. Why would you do that if you were a bird?

Donna said...

These birds are a welcome sight come later spring...and yes they are skittish but I love their call.

Inspired By June said...

Great shots, Gail! We actually have a flock of Killdear on our property that have been here for a couple of months now. We are just north of San Antonio Texas, so I'm guessing they got lost on their way to the coast! We are just a couple of miles south of the Guadalupe river, but have no open water on our property. I sure have been enjoying them, though!

Helma said...

Seze pleasure I hope someday to get done. Lens
Very nice series again :-)