Saturday, April 23, 2011

Got the Killdeer!

Boy, these guys have been very elusive, and when they are around they're nervous. They, like so many other birds, do not like to have anything (like a camera) pointed at them.
A shorebird you can see without going to the beach, Killdeer are graceful plovers common to lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and parking lots. These tawny birds run across the ground in spurts, stopping with a jolt every so often to check their progress, or to see if they’ve startled up any insect prey. Their voice, a far-carrying, excited kill-deer, is a common sound even after dark, often given in flight as the bird circles overhead on slender wings.

I've tried to hear the "kill-deer" in their call, but I just don't. 
I've had a bird feeder hung for about a week. The birds have so many bugs to eat right now that I've only had one taker.
A little male house finch in his finest, come hither, red coat!

4 comments:

  1. We have killdeer galore up here, in Vermont. You're right, they don't like anything pointed at them or anyone too close by them. Their sound is sharp...they make a lot of noise when we walk too closely to them. Nice shots, Lisa :)

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  2. Those are great pics. I really like the killdeer profile, and that reminds me I need to get some more bird feed!

    Speaking of wildlife, I and all the little yellow lions in my backyard wish you all the best, from sub-Saharan Maryland :)

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  3. Good job on catching the killdeer!

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  4. Such pretty birds! I really would love to set up a bird feeder and watch all the feathered visitors come by :)

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