Dr. Killdeer I Presume…..
I’ve been watching and photographing the killdeer residing in Oyster Cove. A month ago I was finding them relaxing or running around in the parking lot around the pool, being very cordial when I drove by. No playing dead or injured, but definitely keeping that beautiful eye on me. I was able to sit still in the car and take numerous photos, here’s a couple.
Killdeer
Killdeer – with an itch!
The two killdeer I was photographing were enjoying the early morning sunrise it seemed. Then along came a third larger killdeer who flew into the parking lot area, causing the other two to run quickly to get close together. I assumed I was going to see a territorial ruckus but that wasn’t the case. The third killdeer boldly ran over to the other two who were watching him and proceeded to mate with one (who allowed it!) while the other one just stood there and watched. This behavior was surely confusing to me, and it looked like to the by-stander killdeer too!
Killdeers mating
Killdeers mating while third Killdeer looks on
Killdeers mating
The deed is done
What transpired after that was just as confusing. The intruder killdeer quickly ran over to the grass while the other two got back together close, and sort of chased after him, with the female who mated with him screaming her head off at him.
Killdeers not too happy with the one on the grass
The original two killdeer then flew off together leaving the third one just standing there. I then left him too. Since then I often would see one here and there early mornings and late evenings running around, but always just one. Then one morning a little over a week ago I found a killdeer closer to our community’s entrance by the fountain pond, but no longer cordial with anyone! Lots of faking injury and flying to another close spot, just trying his best to get my attention elsewhere. My mind was thinking……hmmmmm babies maybe?
I first spotted the family May 20th, running around between our fountain pond along the property fence and along Lippincott’s Marina entrance drive on the other side of the fence. They are absolutely adorable!!
Killdeer Parent
Killdeer and baby
Killdeer Family
Killdeer family
I’ve been watching them since when they are out and about, but have kept my distance as Dr. & Mrs. Killdeer have become quite fiesty and protective as they should be. Here’s a few more shots of them in their protective stance from the last few days. The chicks were not in sight.
Dr. Killdeer
The Mrs.
Dr. Killdeer giving me a piece of his mind!
Dr. Killdeer – Smiling because I told him I was leaving!
For those in the community, be careful driving in and out that you don’t run over a little one! Thank you!
And thank you all for stopping by, I appreciate you!
Great series of photos!
Thanks Terry!
This post was terrific Donna! Rated R? 🙂 Nice photographs too!
Oops!! 🙂 At least they kept their feathers on….. LOL Thanks HJ!
Your photos are excellent as always, and the title of this one cracked me up!
Birds make such great subjects for photography, each species seems to have a set of personality traits, and then there’s the personality of each individual of that species. You’ve done a great job of capturing that!
Love to make you smile, thanks Jerry! I think us humans could learn a lesson or two from birds! 🙂
Great job, what a cool bird and loved it that you were able to capture the baby too.
They are a pretty bird, and those darn little babies are so cute and funny scurrying around. I’ve enjoyed just watching them from a distance even if they’re too far for me to photograph. 🙂
Great pictures and great story telling. Enjoyed!
Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed! 🙂
Thanks again Donna for some great photos. We too have enjoyed watching the offspring scoot around Lippincott’s the past few days.
Have you seen them bob their little heads like the parents? So cute & funny! I’ve seen them along the OC drive too, they scoot back and forth under the fence, while dad goes berserk with the cars driving by.
Very beautiful photographs Donna..
Thanks so very much! They did photograph nicely in the early morning sunlight, gives them a nice warmy contrast of colors. 🙂
Super series of photos and I love the story!
Appreciate so much your comments, David, thank you!
I love this post, and your title: cute (Killdeer/Kildare). I have seen many Killdeer, nests, young ones, etc. Always entertaining. 🙂
They are entertaining, I just had to stop and watch them briefly before heading into work this morning. 🙂
Those babies are so cute!
They are and with those big eyes! 🙂
Great series, their red eyes always kinda creeped me out..:-)
I know what you mean, does seem creepy like he could hypnotize you! I best be careful!! LOL
The killdeer family is cute.
They are! Thank you for stopping by!