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StarryNite

(9,365 posts)
Fri Dec 17, 2021, 02:43 AM Dec 2021

Killdeer

I was so excited to see this pair of killdeer while on a walk today. I've never seen them in my neighborhood before. I didn't even notice them until I got close and they got scared and sounded their alarm as they flew a short distance away. When they landed I was able to take a few pictures of them.





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Killdeer (Original Post) StarryNite Dec 2021 OP
Last year I noticed... SergeStorms Dec 2021 #1
They are pretty birds. StarryNite Dec 2021 #4
I've been to the area. SergeStorms Dec 2021 #7
The Sonoran desert is like no other. StarryNite Dec 2021 #8
Thanks, you stay safe yourself. SergeStorms Dec 2021 #10
I wonder how many of their eggs get destroyed by lawn mowers. multigraincracker Dec 2021 #2
That's a good point. StarryNite Dec 2021 #5
I use to run a large tractor mower multigraincracker Dec 2021 #9
Real Nice Shots StarryNite! Neat birds. George McGovern Dec 2021 #3
Thank you George! StarryNite Dec 2021 #6

SergeStorms

(18,903 posts)
1. Last year I noticed...
Fri Dec 17, 2021, 03:35 AM
Dec 2021

Killdeer which have moved into town. I've never seen that before. I've seen them in the country hundreds of times, but to have a nesting pair right in the middle of town was extremely unusual, at least to me.

Whether it's because because of loss of habitat is unknown, but it was just plain weird to hear them in town all the time. There were people in town who'd never seen a Killdeer before, and didn't know what they were. 😁

That's a nice pair you photographed in your neighborhood. How big is your neighborhood? The town where I live is actually a suburb of a city of around 300,000. There's around 20,000 people in the village.

StarryNite

(9,365 posts)
4. They are pretty birds.
Fri Dec 17, 2021, 12:19 PM
Dec 2021

I live in the north end of the Phoenix metro area. There are quite a few multi acre horse ranches in my neighborhood with most of the rest of the homes on acre lots. Lots of natural Sonoran desert still around. It's interesting to see different kinds of birds here than what we had when we moved to the area 35 years ago. I don't know what the human population number is in my area but it has grown a lot!

SergeStorms

(18,903 posts)
7. I've been to the area.
Fri Dec 17, 2021, 01:30 PM
Dec 2021

And I'm acquainted with the type of environment you're taking about. Beautiful country. I love the desert south-west, and if omicron loosens it's grip by next spring I plan to visit the area.

One thing on my "bucket list" is to visit Chaco Canyon. Fingers (toes and everything else) crossed that I'll be able to get there next spring.

Take care of our bird buddies down there!

StarryNite

(9,365 posts)
8. The Sonoran desert is like no other.
Fri Dec 17, 2021, 02:58 PM
Dec 2021

Too bad urban sprawl is destroying so much of it.

I just looked up Chaco Canyon. It looks amazing. I hope your trip works out. I hate what COVID is doing to our lives.

Stay safe!

SergeStorms

(18,903 posts)
10. Thanks, you stay safe yourself.
Fri Dec 17, 2021, 04:06 PM
Dec 2021

I've been to the Sonoran Desert. It was the most quiet place I've ever been. I tell people "the silence is deafening", and they look at me like I've lost my mind, but I can't think of any better way to describe it. It's beauty is magnificent as well.

multigraincracker

(32,531 posts)
2. I wonder how many of their eggs get destroyed by lawn mowers.
Fri Dec 17, 2021, 05:32 AM
Dec 2021

They lay their eggs on the ground, usually among some rocks. But many times in areas of grass.

StarryNite

(9,365 posts)
5. That's a good point.
Fri Dec 17, 2021, 12:21 PM
Dec 2021

Although that wouldn't happen often here because not many people have lawns. Nighthawks and quail also nest on the ground.

multigraincracker

(32,531 posts)
9. I use to run a large tractor mower
Fri Dec 17, 2021, 03:31 PM
Dec 2021

over 10 acres of lawn for a business. It broke my heart to see mom limping on one leg and like she was injured and an easy catch to lure me away from her ground nest. I never saw them, but knew I was running them over.

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