Kildeer at Lake Chabot

Kids always ask me if these little birds, members of the plover family kill deer. Good question, but nope. The name comes from their call, which many people think sounds like "Kill-deer! Kill-deer!" I don't.

They're known for going to extreme measures to protect their young. If a predator approaches, a parent will make a lot of noise and pretend to have a broken wing. S/he will hop around and lead the predator far from the nest, then fly back. Now that is devotion!