Nature Find: Project Engineer finds Killdeer clutch

Project Engineer Rory Farester-Hohl was out in the field when he spotted a clutch of Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) eggs.  According to the Cornell Lab of Cornell University, these birds get their name from the shrill, wailing “kill-deer” call they give that is far-carrying and common to hear after dark. Killdeer often nest near human development such as parking lots, bare gravel. Adults perform broken-wing display in show of injury and make a distress call to distract / lure predators from their nests and young.  Generally, Killdeer like to live in vegetation no taller than one inch. You can find Killdeer near water, but unlike many other shorebirds, they are also common in open, dry areas.  Nests are in shallow depression on the ground so just watch where you’re walking as these eggs are only 1.5”. Great find Rory!