Another early spring migrant has returned to Ontario. I spotted my first Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) of the new season on Wednesday. Killdeer, as their scientific name indicates, are quite vociferous and you often hear them before you see them. In fact, seeing them can be problematic.
With their cryptic coloration, Killdeer can be very hard to spot. It makes taking a photograph challenging when you have to first pick out the subject from the background before you release the shutter.
There’s a good reason for their disguise, of course. Killdeer nest on the ground, often in the open, and their patterned feather coat helps to protect them. Killdeer are also famous for their “broken wing” display, which is used to distract predators and lead them away from the nest. Here he is:
Willow House Chronicles 
Sheri — that killdeer is one good camouflager. I only could see him/her in the third photo down from the top. But a good sign of spring — barbara
It’s amazing how well they blend in. We don’t have any in my neighborhood, because it’s too wooded. But, I used to love to see them run across the pasture where I boarded my horses, trying so hard to divert attention from their nest.