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Barnyard Buddies:  Killdeer  |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
 Posted - May 20 2009 : 1:15:24 PM
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I was out tilling the big garden today and noticed a Killdeer flying around me. I started looking for a nest while I tilled. And here comes another one. It did the "I have a broken wing, come get me" thing, so I knew I was close. I finally found it. 4 perfect little brown spotted eggs kind of toward the end of the garden but right in the middle. So I went ahead and got all the tilling done and left a big square around the nest.
They are the neatest birds ever. It just amazes me to know that God put such a protective heart in those birds. They would sacrifice their own life to protect their young. How awesome is that. And they are just a plain ole bird. How much more should we do for our own children? But most people don't have that. A bird will take better care of it's young than a human does. It's just too amazing for words.
SO now I have to be careful when I go out there. I can't wait to see the babies. I need to get rid of all my horrid cats til they're able to fly. Maybe they are far enuf away that the cats won't notice them. They don't go out there much. I want to put a cage over the nest so the eggs will be protected but the parents can still get in. But I don't need to interfere with nature, right?
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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CherryMeDarlin
True Blue Farmgirl
602 Posts
Cherry
Odenville
AL
USA
602 Posts |
Posted - May 20 2009 : 1:38:08 PM
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Beautiful! I love killdeer's, too! I've never come upon a nest, but have been chased off by one. And those dratted cats! I have to watch mine so they won't get the baby blue birds. One of the cats left us a present of a HUGE rat in the front of the house yesterday and before Brian could throw it out in the woods, a big ol' turkey vulture claimed it for his supper.
But off that yucky topic and back to the killdeer. You are so right about the such good care they take of their babies and how sad it is that they have a stronger parental instinct than some human parents. You probably shouldn't try the cage, but I'd probably do it anyway. I'd lose enough sleep over those babies even with knowing I'd taken all the precautions I could to make sure they survive. Do you think the parents would try to move them?
~~Cherry~~
http://cherrymedarlin.blogspot.com
"A thing is as simple or as complicated as you make it." --TT Murphy |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - May 20 2009 : 1:55:07 PM
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I don't know. I was real close to the nest a few times and they were ok with it. I kept talking to them and telling them that they are ok with me, I would not hurt them. I went out to take a picture of the nest and they are still there. They are the neatest birds. I used to think they were so dumb laying their nests in driveways and parking lots. We had several at out church walking track parking lot. But now I really like and respect them. So I will just leave them alone and I left a big square for them. They should be fine til the cats see them.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Mother Hen
True Blue Farmgirl
604 Posts
Cindy
Peck
ID
USA
604 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2009 : 12:41:24 AM
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Kris, you are so right about their built in "big hearts". If humans were only as concerned(especially in this society). I wouldn't put a cage over them, but I would try to keep the cats away if you can.
You really need to learn how to put pictures up on here Miss Kris!
Cindy
FARMGIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1 |
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southerncrossgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
631 Posts
Gena
Harmony
NC
USA
631 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2009 : 03:45:38 AM
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You guys, I have been taken over by these birds. We have yet to mow our 2 hay fields. I am so afraid that their little nests are out there. We have already had them raise 3 different sets of babies. They are so cute. They like to run down our driveway. i have to be very careful when I am leaving and coming down the drive. They just run right in front of me.
"A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes"==Cinderella |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2009 : 04:55:59 AM
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They do tend to get in the way. The eggs are really hard to spot, too. And how nice of ya'll to not mow your hay fields. Wow. No one around here would do that. I had a hen setting on a nest once just a few feet on the other side of the fence in the field and the guy ran over her. Of course he didn't know she was there. But they run over turkeys and rabbits and all kinds of poor little critters. After fields are cut I always see the vultures circling. Now the guineas have a favorite spot on the other side and I put up a teepee type thing with boards so he'll see it.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Barnyard Buddies: Killdeer |
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Killdeer
