Killdeer

On the ground, a killdeer's bold patterns turn out to be quite cryptic. In the air, the birds are stunning. Photographed 03-28-2009 in southern Morgan County.

Flying Killdeer

On the ground, a killdeer's bold patterns turn out to be quite cryptic. In the air, the birds are stunning. Photographed 03-28-2009 in southern Morgan County.

CRYPTIC KILLDEER

By itself a killdeer's coloration appears vivid and made to attract attention. In reality, the sharp contrasts are disruptive and cause the birds to blend into irregular backgrounds.

HELP, I'VE FALLEN AND I CAN'T GET UP

Like lots of other Nature Nuts, as a kid I was fascinated by the broken wing act of a killdeer trying to lure you away from its nest or little ones. One instant they look like they have just crash landed. The next instant they are scurrying or flying for

KILLDEER IN THE SAND HILLS

Brush Prairie Ponds State Wildlife Area in Morgan County, CO is a curious combination of snadsage-bluestem prairie and small ponds and wetlands. The killdeer love it and nest along its seldom-used roads.