Killdeer Encounter

One of my favorite things about birding is that you never quite know what you’re going to find. In June, on a visit to San Joaquin Marsh in Irvine, CA, I spotted a Killdeer that immediately caught my attention. At first, it seemed like a pretty ordinary encounter—a small shorebird standing out in the open, looking completely at home in a place that seemed surprisingly exposed. But when I looked closer, I realized there was probably a reason this particular Killdeer had chosen that spot.

The Killdeer was standing on a patch of open dirt, looking around and occasionally shifting its position. There wasn't an obvious nest or any vegetation nearby that seemed like it would provide much protection. As I watched, though, I started to wonder if there might be something I couldn't see. Killdeer are known for nesting in places that might seem like the last place a bird would want to raise a family. Instead of building a nest high in a tree or tucked away in dense vegetation, they often lay their eggs in shallow scrapes on the ground, including on open dirt or gravel. That means a nest can be incredibly easy for people to accidentally overlook.

Before I realized what was going on, I remember slowly inching forward to get a better look. Almost immediately, the Killdeer tensed up and became much more alert. That reaction made me stop. I didn't want my curiosity to turn into a disturbance, especially if there really was an egg nearby. I backed away and continued watching from a greater distance. If you see a Killdeer sitting in one spot for an unusually long time, especially in an open area, there could be an egg or nest nearby. It can be tempting to get closer for a better look or a photo, but backing up is often the better choice. Even when we can't see a nest, the bird may be trying to protect something that is incredibly easy to miss.

Killdeer "broken-wing" display to distract predators

Killdeer are also famous for their dramatic “broken-wing” distraction display, where an adult appears injured and tries to lure a potential threat away from its nest. It's an incredible behavior to witness—but it's also a good reminder that the bird may be feeling threatened. So the next time you spot a Killdeer out in the open, take a moment to admire it from a respectful distance. You might be looking at a parent protecting an egg just a few steps away.