Nest of Stones

since moving into good manor we have been blessed by the ever present killdeer...the killdeer make their nests on the ground typically in stone and gravel. the first year at good manor, we had our first experience with the killdeer and their nests. the killdeers defense/protection mechanism is diversion, if their nest is in danger they will move away from their nest acting as if their wing is injured, squawk loudly, and even roll on the ground for added effect...yes, i was fooled the first time this happened but after a little research was very impressed by the little guys acting skills. this year a pair of killdeer have decided our driveway was the perfect place to lay their eggs...first one, then two and finally all four. the incubation period is 24 to 28 days which puts their hatching date smack dab in the middle of our trip to valley ridge, hopefully the family will still be around when we return but by then the little ones will be off and running. unlike most birds, killdeer are in their eggs longer and come out eyes open ready to fend for themselves...i really hope we get to see them upon our return to good manor...in the meantime, our wheelbarrow sits right in the middle of our turn around to protect the nest from unsuspecting vehicles.

we are off to erie this weekend to explore some beaches with deb and kelly...looks like it may be a soggy treasure hunt but we are always up for an adventure!