The Perils of Nesting Killdeer x2

The four Killdeer eggs I've observed every morning since early June will soon hatch, so I thought Jean and I should return for one last chance of digiscoping the Killdeer while it sat motionless on the eggs.

Even with its back turned to us, the Killdeer kept a close eye on our movements.

The breeding pair watching over their clutch have demonstrated great care and dedication while incubating the eggs. Whether it was a hot and humid afternoon or a thundering down-pour of rain, the adult Killdeer have held their position over the eggs.

It was recently brought to my attention that there is a second Killdeer nest on the property. Another reason for returning with the spotting scope and digital camera on Tuesday evening.

It's a holiday weekend, so somewhere between a final survey for the Marsh Monitoring Program and visiting family, I'll be at work, running from one side of the property to the other, in order to determine which clutch hatches first.

Stay tuned. The next posting of The Perils of Nesting Killdeer, may contain baby Killdeer.