[Birdtalk] "Just a Killdeer"

[Buck Russell]

Today I went on a short walk at lunchtime and saw a female Ring-necked Pheasant walk across the road and sit in a grassy area next to the sidewalk.  She was followed by five little chicks.  After a few seconds I saw another chick race across the road to join the other pheasant chicks who were milling around on the sidewalk.  A few seconds later another chick raced across the road, followed by another pheasant chick.  Last of all a larger bird raced across the road.  I thought that the larger bird might be a predator, so I slowly walked down the sidewalk to get a better look.  The larger bird was a Killdeer.  It was running around trying to keep all of the pheasant chicks together in a group.  When the Killdeer spotted me, it ran forward and placed itself about half way between me and the pheasant chicks and let out loud alarm cries.  I stopped walking forward and the Killdeer sat down and went silent.  I took one step forward and the Killdeer jumped up and started pacing and making alarm cries.  I took one step backward and the Killdeer sat down and went silent.  I was utterly amazed at the devotion and protection this Killdeer was giving the pheasants.  The pheasant hen never moved during this time.  I did not want to disturb the birds, so I turned and walked away.  The Killdeer was not much larger than the pheasant chicks it defended.  The Killdeer was successful in driving away a large, overweight, bald birder who will probably never again utter the phrase, “just a killdeer”.   
Thanks.
Buck Russell
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