Preening adult Killdeer – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
While I was at Bear River MBR two days ago I stopped and took a long series of photos of three Killdeer near the entrance to the auto loop. Two of the birds hung around close to each other and the third was chased around each time it tried to approach them.
This Killdeer spent some time preening the feathers on its upper chest. I liked seeing the upside down head and eye.
Spring Killdeer calling – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Each time the third Killdeer moved towards the two that were close to me one or both of those two birds called loudly and behaved aggressively towards the intruder. The presumed pair I photographed may have already selected a nesting area.
Adult Killdeer calling on a spring morning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It was fun to observe the Killdeer through my viewfinder as they moved around the area. I thought I might even be able to photograph them mating. That didn’t happen though.
Fluffed up adult Killdeer – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I took photos of the third Killdeer but since it was kept at a distance by the closer birds I decided not to include any photos of it today. If the presumed pair of Killdeer lay eggs this weekend there could be chicks running around this area of the refuge by the third week of April. Killdeer can have more than one brood per season.
I enjoyed observing, listening to and photographing the three Killdeer that I found at the refuge. I would have liked to have stayed with theses birds longer but several vehicles came along and the birds moved well away from the road.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Killdeer photos plus facts and information about this species.
Love the eyes! Another wonderful group of shots. Thanks Mia.
Fun photos, I watched the same events at Farmington parking lot. I tried to get photos of the action but it was so erratic and hard to follow in my telephoto.
Yet another enchanting series. Thank you.
I feel kind of bad for the “third wheel” Killdeer who just wanted to be friends, right? 😉 I appreciate all the feather detail in these shots — especially the white feathers.