A Killdeer Family Returns: A Tale of Resilience in Our Driveway

 

Last year's nesting Killdeer © Chris LeBoutillier

Last year (April,2024), our driveway became the unexpected home of a Killdeer family. These remarkable birds, known for their clever nesting strategies and distinctive calls, chose a patch of gravel near our house to lay their eggs. 

Against the odds, their four precious, precocial chicks hatched safely. With coyotes and hawks circling, I placed a protective cage over the nest, a small barrier to shield the vulnerable family. 

The chicks not only survived but eventually took flight, leaving us with the joy of having witnessed nature’s resilience firsthand.

This year's nesting during a hailstorm March12, 2025

Fast-forward to this year (March 12, 2025) and the Killdeer are back—not just one, but two pairs nesting close to their original spot. It reflects their confidence in this small part of our world. 

One pair has built their nest again, containing four speckled eggs. The other pair of Killdeer I have yet to locate their nest in a horse pasture.

 

Red-Tailed Hawk © Chris LeBoutillier

Cooper's Hawk © Chris LeBoutillier

Coyote on the hunt © Chris LeBoutillier

March 16, 2025, Update

However, the threats remain ever-present. Just yesterday, I spotted a Red-tailed Hawk, a Cooper’s Hawk, and today two coyotes patrolling the area, their sharp eyes fixed on the nest. 

Tree on the left where hawks perch, cage is on the right.

To safeguard these future fledglings, I placed a cage over the nest once again three days ago, creating a small sanctuary for the eggs to thrive.

Observing the Killdeer family gives us a true sense of nature's delicate balance. These birds encounter significant challenges, but their determination to nurture and protect their young remains strong. Their return feels like an honor for a unique opportunity to witness resilience and adaptability in action again.

Track the challenges and resilience of this pair of Killdeer through this blog post. 

March 18, 2025 Update:

She is doing a great job of keeping the eggs warm and napping. Occasionally, she ventures out to find food but always returns to the nest, never straying too far.

The bird protection cage, repurposed from a temporary dog area, has been effective thus far. It has successfully deterred coyotes and hawks. There are four exit points from the cage in case she needs to leave quickly. The chicks last year learned to navigate in and out of the cage without any difficulty, demonstrating their ability to explore while always knowing where to return.

One of our resident coyotes was making it rounds this morning, hunting for voles. These coyotes do an excellent job of keeping the rodent population in check within the wetlands. The wetlands area spans about twenty-seven acres, and the coyotes primarily stay within this region hunting. They are from the bloodline of the Little One from Dogwoods of Guemes area and have a beautiful and distinctive coloring pattern on their shoulders and backs.

March 26, 2025, Update:

Killdeer Pair Braving the Elements.

Despite enduring two fierce windstorms, the determined Killdeer pair has managed to keep their precious eggs safe. Their teamwork has been incredible, as they take turns watching over their clutch.

In a dramatic turn, one day the male returned late to his shift and was promptly dive-bombed by the vigilant female—a reminder that punctuality matters, even in bird life! They've also been observed carefully turning the eggs while incubating, ensuring even warmth and proper care.

Today, they ventured out to feed but stayed within close proximity to their nest, ever watchful. 

With another storm rolling in tonight, it'll be interesting to see how this resilient pair faces the next challenge.

March 28, 2025, Update

A new visitor on Wednesday, choosing to land in the hawk's tree at the nest's location. Great Blue Herons will consume eggs if they are discovered and easily accessible. An impressive landing, and credit must be given to GBH for its landing skills.

The Killdeer survived the thunderstorm we the other night She hunkered down and faced the wind all night long. I checked on her this morning, and all four eggs are still there!

While walking the dog this afternoon, discovered another Killdeer nest in our driveway. The mother was diligently constructing the nest among the rocks in a parking area. I will monitor nest for the arrival of the eggs and then install a cage to protect the mother and her chicks.

The area she has been working on for the nest is progressing well.

This evening the coyotes have undoubtedly noticed the Killdeer cage. They were within fifty feet of the enclosure.

When they show up, I chase them back into the wetland and tell them to keep to the vole! 

Note: If you find yourself face-to-face with a coyote, the key is to stay calm and assertive. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Make yourself appear larger: Raise your arms, wave them, or even hold up a jacket or bag to look bigger.
2. Make noise: Clap your hands, shout, or use a whistle to scare the coyote away.
3. Do not run: Running can trigger the coyote's chase instinct. Instead, back away slowly while maintaining eye contact.
4. Haze if necessary: If the coyote doesn't retreat, you can throw small objects like sticks or stones (aiming to scare, not harm) or spray it with water.
5. Secure pets and children: Keep small pets on a leash and ensure children are close to you.

Coyotes are generally shy and avoid humans, but these steps can help ensure your safety and theirs. 

Coyotes are crucial for maintaining ecological balance, as they regulate populations of rodents and small mammals. Their role as predators supports biodiversity and helps prevent overpopulation. Additionally, coyotes contribute to disease management by preying on animals that may carry parasites. Their adaptability offers lessons in resilience and coexistence with nature.

March 29, 2025, Update

I believe eggs are close hatching, as she usually on the nest when I approach from respectable distance. Now however, she will immediately begin the broken-wing display.

Killdeer use a fascinating and clever defense tactic called the "broken-wing display" to protect their nests from predators. If a predator approaches, the killdeer will move away from its nest while pretending to be injured—flapping its wings, limping, and creating a lot of commotion as if it’s an easy target. This performance lures the predator away from the nest, keeping the eggs or chicks safe. Once the predator is far enough from the nest, the bird abruptly “recovers” and flies away

A new challenge presented itself tonight in the form of a beautiful great horned owl. It initially perched atop the tree adjacent to caged nest, relocated to our well house near the second nest I discovered. The Killdeer will be highly active in guarding their chick once it hatches!

March 31, 2025, Update

Black Vulture, accompanied by four of its companions, was circling above both nests yesterday.

Today, I finally discovered nest location eggs. The original spot I thought was the nest was about five away. The parents are being very vigilant with all the sky activity. I placed two markers next to the nest today, so they get use to them being there.

A new cage has been constructed to go over the second nest soon. It is a three-day process to get the Killdeer accustomed to cage. I will move it closer each day if they become familiar with it. 

The mother appears to comprehend my efforts to aid in their survival. She stood there observing as I moved items around. Meanwhile, male was out foraging for insects in the vicinity. I believe the process of covering will proceed quite swiftly.

April 02, 2025, Update

Second Killdeer nest

This morning, I moved the cage over the nest and positioned it with the nest in the center. However, mom Killdeer was not okay with such a big move, as it was about six inches from the nest overnight. I was moving too quickly for this mom, who is not used to the cage like last year's mom. I reverted to my method from last year and placed the entrance halfway over the nest. She then returned and covered the eggs.

I went out this evening to see if the birds adjusted to their cage. As I approached, they took flight in a hurry, making all sorts of noise. I looked around to check for the coyotes, there was nothing nearby. The Killdeer parents continued to make a lot of noise. Then, I glanced up at the sky and spotted our resident Cooper's Hawk soaring above. I decided it was necessary to move the cage over the nest to protect the eggs. After relocating and staking down the cage, I walked away, and the parents glided back into the nest.

I just checked on them, and they are both doing very well.

I've been checking the first nest frequently, should chicks soon! 

April 03, 2025, Update

This morning, I went out to observe the Killdeer and a pair of House Finches. The male's coloring is particularly striking!

I am happy to report that the cage is working well, and there are now four eggs in the second nest.

April 10, 2025, Update

Today was nothing short of miraculous in our Guemes Yellowstone wildlife haven. After days of anticipation, all four killdeer chicks finally hatched, each a tiny testament to nature’s resilience. 

The mother, with her instinctive behavior, gathered the discarded eggshells to a drainage ditch across the driveway. This careful behavior helps clean the nest and reduces the risk of predators detecting them.

Shortly after the hatch, a subtle yet critical change occurred: the chicks, barely out of their shells, were nudged by instinct and moved behind the nearby rock. Initially, their nest had been right in front of this rock, a spot that likely offered camouflage and protection from the south winds. The new location will protect them from traffic, a hideaway for the fragile life. 

Our resident Kestrel in the tree that is next to the nest (image from 2020)

The one parent from the second nest came to assist in driving off a kestrel that had shown up while the eggs were hatching. They will all need to keep a close watch on the chicks.

Observing these natural adjustments was a fascinating glimpse into the innate drive for survival, even in these earliest moments of life. 

April 11, 2025, Update

NOTE: Images captured from a long distance, and heavy cropped. 

Life with the killdeer family proved eventful today as the two-day-old chicks began exploring their surroundings. What started as a simple outing quickly turned into an adventure filled with drama, teamwork, and wildlife humor.

The day began with the chicks eagerly wandering about under the watchful eyes of both mom and dad. It did not take long before one curious chick strayed too far from the others, venturing into the unknown. It sparked an immediate reaction from the devoted parents, who came together to assess the situation.

With their roles agreed upon, the parents split up in search of the wayward chick. Dad took charge of corralling the three chicks keeping them close to him, ensuring they remained safe and accounted for.

Meanwhile, Mom stayed closer to the nesting area, keeping a wary eye on the horse, observing all the commotion with mild curiosity. As a quiet observer in this unfolding drama, the horses remained near the nesting site, watching the heartwarming activity. It was as though the horse was captivated by the determination and resolve of the parents. 

Mother is positioned in the lower left of the image.

Dad, always the careful protector, walked down the driveway to search for the last one. At last, he spotted the lost chick about 100 feet from the nest, seemingly unfazed and innocently exploring its surroundings. 

A reunion was soon underway as Mom joined Dad and the chicks, leading them back to the safety of the nesting site. Their teamwork and instinctive coordination brought a satisfying conclusion to the escapade, leaving all four chicks safe once more. 

The guardian observed chick scurrying down the driveway alongside its parents. It will be interesting to see if the parents relocate to the pasture, as they did last for additional protection. During the day, they remain near the horses.

One thing is for sure: the adventures of the Killdeer family are far from over.

April 13, 2025, Update

Searching for the Chicks

The story of our resilient killdeer family continues; today brought a mix of determination and uncertainty. Last night, the parents moved all four chicks from their original nesting site into the expansive two-acre horse pasture, a bold shift in their little lives and a new chapter in their adventure.

By this afternoon, however, things took a concerning turn. Only one of the chicks was spotted, while the remaining three appear missing in action. The parents have spent most of the day tirelessly calling out and searching for their wandering offspring. Their dedication to locating the chicks is unwavering.

There is hope. The tall grass in the pasture may be hiding the chicks rather than losing them. I occasionally hear faint calls from another pasture, indicating that at least one chick may have wandered off. These curious little ones have a knack for exploration.

I will closely monitor the area for any signs of movement, sounds, or activity. While it's disheartening to witness the parents' worry, their determination is inspiring. They refuse to give up on their search, and I believe they will successfully reunite their family.

Let's hope for good news tomorrow as the parents and their chicks continue their journey!

April 16, 2025, Update

Nature always finds a way to keep things interesting and today brought a tense moment in the ongoing saga of our killdeer family. A coyote appeared in the horse pasture, likely searching for movement among the tall grass where the chicks remain hidden. It was a moment of both vulnerability and determination.

The parents wasted no time springing into action. They began their famous broken-wing display, flailing and pretending they were injured to lure the predator away from their well-camouflaged young. They demonstrated an impressive commitment to protecting their chicks against even large threats.

Determined not to rely solely on the killdeers for defense, I instructed the coyote to move along. Whether it was the unexpected human intervention or the killdeer distraction tactics, the coyote disappeared beyond the pasture.

Meanwhile, the horses paid little mind to the commotion. The coyote passed within 25 feet of them, yet they remained unfazed. So much for expecting them to provide some extra protection! 

I did not spot the chicks today, but I take comfort in knowing that the parents are still guarding. Even without direct confirmation of their whereabouts, the steadfast presence of the adult killdeers suggests they haven’t given up their watchful efforts.

The second nest parents remain steadfast sitting and guarding eggs, anticipating that they should hatch very soon.

April 18, 2025, Update

Great news! All the chicks have been found, and they are safe and sound! After a few days of uncertainty, the killdeer parents did a great job protecting their little ones.

Yesterday evening, as I went out to mow the pasture next door, I caught a brief glimpse of the entire family. Mom, Dad, and all four chicks gathered in the grassy area near their nesting site. It was a fleeting yet reassuring sight. When I returned at sunset, I watched the parents urgently guiding their chicks back into the tall grass of the horse pasture nearby, ensuring their safety for the night.

Today, they made another move, bringing the chicks back into the nesting area’s grass. The little ones wasted no time exploring, darting around, and snatching up bugs with growing confidence. Their instincts are becoming sharper, and it’s incredible to see them learn and adapt to their surroundings.

A moment of curiosity came when a large flock of snow geese passed overhead, their loud calls filling the air. Some chicks stopped in their tracks, looking skyward in what seemed like fascination, only to return to their foraging efforts. Even amidst the distractions of the world above, their focus on survival remains strong.

One of the most exciting transformations is happening before my eyes: the chicks are starting to fill out and develop their distinctive killdeer coloring. 

From lost to found, from uncertainty to reassurance, the killdeer family captivates me at every turn. I can’t wait to see what’s next for them!

Updates will be provided here as new challenges emerge.

Guemes Island, WA

© Chris LeBoutillier

“Photographs are silent; one’s thoughts give them life.” ™ -Chris LeBoutillier