Photos courtesy Henri & Elaine Weems – Rodes Farm
Nelson County Life Magazine – Copyright 2007
We first heard about the newest attraction at the Nelson Farmers Market about two weeks ago. That day we’d just quickly dashed into the tent to grab a cup of coffee from Sarah Leake. We noticed the red cones setup out in the grass where the parking is, but never thought this was a reserved parking space!
Seems that a couple of Killdeer birds have setup their own tent at the Farmers Market. They have become quite the topic of conversation and protection by all of the folks dropping in the Saturday market. Killdeer are smart when it comes to keeping people away from their nest which are usually built right on the ground.
According to Wikipedia:
“These birds will frequently use the “broken-wing act” to distract predators from their nests. This involves the bird walking away from its nesting area holding its wing in a position that simulates an injury and then flapping around on the ground emitting a distress call. The predators then think they have easy prey and are attracted to this seemingly injured bird and away from the nest.”
No question these guys had that act down to a science in the above photo.
With the nest built right on the ground out in the open, you can often mistake the eggs for stones.
Here one of the birds takes turn on the nest. The guys will be the center of attention for several days to come at the Farmers Market. Look for them when you head down next Saturday!
Thanks again to Elaine & Henri for sending the photos our way!
