This is my first time shooting a killdeer upclose. I was so excited to see it running around in the tall grass. Little did I know that I was in for a scary experience.
There were two adult birds and they were trying to get my attention. They tag teamed me with the broken wing routine. It took me a few minutes to realize there had to be babies around. I found them, but that's when the scary part comes in. They were in the middle of the highway!!!
The parents flew over to them and I guess they were trying to move them to the field on the other side. The babies weren't cooperating! They were running around in circles. I was snapping pics and thinking how cute they were. Then I heard a car! There was a locked gate and fence in between me and the road. All I could do was flail my arms and hope the driver saw me. If they did, they didn't slow down. I thought one of the babies was hit. It was in a liitle ball on the pavement. I looked away in frustration. When I looked back, it was up and running. I guess it did a stop, drop, and roll when the car came by. :0)
Several more cars came by, before they were all safely on the other side. I think I a few more gray hairs from watching their escapades!
I'm posting a pic in my other album of the family group in the middle of the road. :0)
what a unique experience you had. I've had the adults do that wounded wing routine to me - my husband explained what it meant - really neat to see the young up close. Glad they made it safely. You wrote a wonderful story with your great shot.
Wow, that was close, and it can be a bit scary when you know some people do not give a lick about wildlife. We have places in town where ducks will cross the roadway, and it never fails you have someone who hits one because they cannot wait.
so smart they are
good take