Behavior of Parent Killdeers
Behavior of Parent Killdeers
The following account of behavior of Killdeers (Oxyechus vociferus) was related to me by friends and seems worthy of record. They were driving east on the Alpine Hi-way above Pine Grove, in Amador County, when they noticed two little fledglings in the road. One of the ladies thought it a shame to leave such young birds alone and apparently without care, to the mercy of passing motorists, and consequently doomed to certain death. She accordingly stepped from the car, picked up the little orphans and, placing them in a pocket of her coat, carried them back, and the party proceeded on its way.
A gentleman of the party protested that it was murder thus to carry these little fellows away, that they could not live in captivity, and that even though they might survive, being the young of the killdeer, they would not sing.
The discussion continued for some miles up the road when it was decided to return the youngsters to the place whence they had been taken.
As the original spot was neared, both parents made for the car. When it stopped they both pecked savagely at the tires, and when the young were placed on the ground one bird, apparently the female, assisted the youngsters in making a most miraculous disappearance, while her mate continued a vicious attack on the front tires.
Henry Warrington
Jackson, California, March 28, 1931
