Photos by Bruce Conti on 7-14-2025.
On June 14, 2025, Bruce Conti posted the following to the NH Birds Google Group:
“A pair of Killdeer have a nest of four eggs near the edge of the Nashua South High School track. Thankfully, someone cordoned it off with hurdles and caution tape. The Killdeer were flying about and doing the broken wing display to protect the nest during my track workout this afternoon. Hopefully, they will survive athletic events and potential predators.”
Killdeer nest protection at the Nashua South High School track.
Killdeer nest made from gravel with four camouflaged eggs.
The type of distraction display that Bruce observed is the most conspicuous among open-country ground nesters. The adult bird pretends to be ill or injured, flopping over the ground and crying out as it draws attention away from the nest. The Killdeer is perhaps the American species that is best-known for using this technique.
Enjoy this field note? Check out other field notes from Summer 2025!
- Bonaparte’s Gull Foot Paddling by Jim Sparrell
- Bridled Tern Goes A-Courting by Kathryn Frieden
- Cliff Swallow Nest Site in Dover by Cameron Johnson
- Condiment for an Oriole by Kathleen Cerutti
Want even more? Visit our “From the Field” page.