Where's Waldo Wildlife Game - 2015

[havalotta]

Kind of has the markings of a plover but I don't think their eyelids are red are they?

[NEWisc]

Close, but not a plover.

[havalotta]

Ahhhhh yes, by golly, I think I've got it I'll give the others time for play.

[katjh]

Originally Posted by NEWisc

This is more of a who's waldo than a where's waldo:

Attachment 42834


It's been seen with 4 young ones in tow a couple of days ago.

Got it....but I won't tell yet. Their young'uns are SO darned cute, aren't they?

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by NEWisc

This is more of a who's waldo than a where's waldo:

Attachment 42834.

That's a clever twist on the game.

[dapjwy]

I'm not good at this kind of thing.

At first I was thinking a bird of prey (see! Not good at this)...but after the guesses and hint...and t hi s comment...

Originally Posted by katjh

Got it....but I won't tell yet. Their young'uns are SO darned cute, aren't they?

...I think I might know. They are cute...and (if I'm right), one I'd love to attract.

[dapjwy]

Do these birds like open fields...with gravel and stones? (At least that is what I'm picturing as potential habitat.)

[NEWisc]

I think everyone has got it - it is a killdeer:




And Havalotta was right, the killdeer actually is a plover! I've know killdeer for many years and it never occurred to me to think of the killdeer as a 'shorebird'.

Killdeer, Identification, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

[katjh]

Their chicks look like little balls of fluff with mile-long legs....so stinkin CUTE!!!

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by NEWisc

I think everyone has got it - it is a killdeer:

Attachment 42845


And Havalotta was right, the killdeer actually is a plover! I've know killdeer for many years and it never occurred to me to think of the killdeer as a 'shorebird'.

Killdeer, Identification, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

After all the comments from others who knew, I figured it out. After "killdeer" came to mind, I did an image search and looked at the eye. Which pretty much convinced me.

It took me a while to make the connection too, NEWisc. Years ago, at the beach I noticed the similarities...maybe even picked it up from a field guide, not sure.

I've always loved seeing these birds with such a strange name.

When we moved here, I thought we might get them with the open areas, but, over the years, I realize it is not the right habitat...not sure I can change that, but I'd love to see them here.

I've seen pictures of them nesting among rounded stones where their eggs blend in. I recently started making a dry creekbed tat will drain into the pond when it rains. I doubt that will be enough to attract them, but once the larger pond is dug and established, perhaps I'll have something that might attract them. I really should read up on their habitat.

Thanks for the fun and the link.