The kildeer (Charadrius vociferus) , is a shorebird that resides and nests in upland habitats, sometimes far from water.
They are well known for their "broken wing display" which they use to lure predators from their nests. being very vocal, they are hard to miss, especially during this display.
This bird is from a nest not far from where I live, and they are currently incubating as I write. The weather the last week or so here has been cold and damp...it even snowed the other day! amazing how they can survive and raise a brood in our climate.
A new threat is all terrain vehicles, and since they are ground nesting, they are especially vulnerable. the dwindling Piping plover is another bird under threat since they nest on beaches, and people, unleashed dogs and 4 wheelers are increasingly common there. there are believed to be under 50 pairs in Nova Scotia, making them a species at risk.
enjoy the images, and tread carefully.
Gary.
