Classic Killdeer With A Broken Wing

Harv

While out checking some osprey nests today, I encountered a killdeer. As you may or may not know, classic behaviour for a killdeer is to pretend to flutter off with a broken wing to draw predators away from it's nest.

I was not only fortunate enough to witness this behaviour, but had my camera in hand at the time so I was able to record it.

1D MkIIn, 400 f/5.6L, handheld, ISO400, f/8, 1/1,600 sec.

First it wandered out in front of me to get my attention. It then turned and began to walk away from me to draw me out.





It then began to flutter about pretending to have a broken wing.







It now righted itself and began to walk away once again.



Once it felt it had led me far enough away it took flight. This caught me a bit by surprise and by the time it got airborne, it was putting distance between us. I did manage to grab a few large crop shots which were worth keeping.







Thanks for looking. I hope you enjoyed these as much as I enjoyed being there to capture them.

GREAPER

Great set,

Dick on Aruba

Great series Harvey, well done!

Thanks for sharing,

Dick.

Maestro

Great shots! I especially like the BIFs. Killdeers are quick little fliers but you did a great job.

Harryb

Terrific shots Harv. Soem of the best killdeer captures I've seen.

Harv

GREAPER wrote:

Great set,

Thanks very much.

Harv

Dick on Aruba wrote:

Great series Harvey, well done!

Thanks for sharing,

Dick.

Thanks very much, Dick.

Harv

Maestro wrote:

Great shots! I especially like the BIFs. Killdeers are quick little fliers but you did a great job.

You're very kind. Thanks.

Harv

Harryb wrote:

Terrific shots Harv. Soem of the best killdeer captures I've seen.

Thanks a lot, Harry. I appreciate the kind words.