Friday, May 11, 2012

Killdeer Nest Destroyed

The Killdeer nest failed before it really got started.  Three days after I found the nest, we had a thunderstorm that produced heavy rain, strong winds and at the peak of the storm, dropped half inch hail for a full five minutes.  The egg didn’t have a chance.

I was disappointed when I checked the nest the next day.  I was also puzzled to find there was still only one egg.  I felt sure that the nest should have received one or two more eggs in those three days.  Maybe the nest was already a loss before the storm arrived.

I removed the broken egg on the off chance that the nest was still active.  I’ve read that there can sometimes be a significant time lag between eggs, although the chances are slim that this nest will see any more action.  It’s already been six days since the storm and I haven’t heard Killdeers calling at all during that time.  This empty depression will probably remain for the rest of the summer to remind me of the opportunity that was lost.

2 comments:

  1. Birds often produce a second clutch if they lose the first one. There is a time lag however and the whole calling and courting behavior may be partially repeated. On the other hand they may have moved on to a place where the rain isn't so lumpy. Glad you are back! Hope they come back too!

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  2. Hi Becky. The Killdeer most likely are making a second nesting attempt, but they're probably making it somewhere besides here.

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