It occurs in our area only as a spring and fall migrant on its way to or from rocky, sloping tundra in high latitudes where it breeds, usually close to water.
Miriam and I were delighted to discover nineteen individuals in a field of last year's corn stubble, scurrying around and searching for food. It is a fairly nondescript species and it was the movement and short bursts of flight that first attracted us to their presence, before we heard them over the noise of the car engine. It was only when we shut off the motor and settled in to enjoy them that their vocalizations became clear and audible.
In another field close by, we detected a pair of Killdeer Charadrius vociferus with young.
As can be seen in the photograph above the young birds camouflage well with their surroundings, but the mother quickly called them to her while the male tried to distract us with a broken-wing display.
The precocial offspring of this species are equipped for life from the moment they leave the egg, but many hazards await them on their journey to adulthood.
We can only hope that the care of dedicated and resourceful parents will assure their survival so that they too can return next year to breed.
Oh the pipits are so cool David! I love the surprise of seeing migrant birds! I haven't seen Killdeer since I was a child, and that was MANY moons ago.
ReplyDeleteThe Killdeer Charadrius vociferus is amazing! I have not seen a bird with stripes never. Yours :)
ReplyDeleteHello David, what a lovely encounter you had with these birds. The little ones of the Killdeer are so cute. Hope they make it.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Roos
Espectacular la última foto, muy difícil de realizar. Me ha gustado mucho este post David. Saludos cordiales desde España.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots David!!
ReplyDeleteNice to see them so close and special to see the nest with the young in the clay soil.
Many greetings,
Marco
The Pipit is pretty and I love the sweet Killdeer! Great shots!
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteLovely series of the birds with the young to the clay soil.
Perfect photographed.
Best regards, Irma
A grand entrance with very good pictures. The last is spectacular.
ReplyDeleteHi David, what a great series of the Killdeer family. Top!!
ReplyDeleteThe American Pipit has a very elegant look.
Gr Jan W
These are really beautiful pictures of David and what particular that the plovers so dug into the earth as seen in picture 6. The other birds are really great to see. You're also a real birder :-)
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteAlthough the pipits are not colourful birds, I am also quite excited to encounter them!
The Killdeer with its double black collar is superb, 'vociferous' must suit it very well!
We're off tomorrow as you know,
Keep well, huge hugs and enjoy your day ;)
You are quite right, Noushka. It is very vocal and calls its name repeatedly.
DeleteI love these juveniles! And the parents always so protective! The humans should put their eyes on them... :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of the killdeer. The babies are very cute.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos you posted again David.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Tinie
I really appreciate those pictures of Buff-bellied Pipit since it is a species which can and does turn up in the UK. As you imply close views are required to separate this species from Water Pipit and to see a "live" one like this infinitely beats illustrations in field guides. Good luck to the Killdeer - they'll need it.
ReplyDeleteI rather agree with you about the jamon e queso lunch - just the job with a cold beer or a glass of tempranillo.
A little well made Sangria wouldn't go too badly either.
DeleteA great post, David, with some beautiful images that I'm very jealous over!
ReplyDeleteI tend to think of Killdeer as a glamorous Ringed Plover! Gorgeous birds.
Pipits have their charms, and a Buff-bellied one would also give some excitement too over here! Last time I got quite excited about a Pipit was last year when I saw a Richard's Pipit in The Scillies - but that was probably enhanced by the name! You're probably only going to see Meadow Pipits (many) and Rock Pipits (possibly a few) when you visit UK this summer.
Best wishes - - - - - Richard
If we get Rock Pipit that will be great Richard. It will be a lifer. And Meadow Pipits will be wonderful too. I haven't seen them for many years so they will be like brand new all over again.
DeleteLovely the Pipit and the Killdeer, especially the last photo, beautiful David.
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots and beautiful birds !!!
ReplyDeleteA cracking series of shots, nice work David.
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteWonderful Phtotos!
The beauty of it is so soft!