24Megapixseal Loc: Kansas

Walking back from the eagle's nest, I was suddenly squawked at and flown around several times... Then it landed and did the ol' "broken wing" act.
So I looked around at my feet and about 6 feet away was it's nest with one egg in it.
Interestingly tho, about 2 feet from it was another nest with a large rock in the middle of it.... That got me to wondering if they have "decoy" nests?... Anyone have any ideas?... Or is it just coincidence and actually nothing?
Oh, andbus the red around it's eyes "normal" or is it some kind of breeding plumage?

Thanks in advance for any info!

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Decoy nest?

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Can you spot the two nests?

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Here they are!

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Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Great shots of the little decoy ! ......thanks for sharing

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Nice series. I have never heard of a decoy nest but perhaps Killdeer are evolving and this is something new!

AHB Loc: Stonington, CT

Nice documenting of the 'wounded' display of the killdeer. It is possible that the second 'nest' was abandoned by this or another bird or is simply a random collection of rocks.

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

These are excellent and interesting images, but the Killdeer was not injured, but was distressed because of your intrusion too close to her nest. This is from "The Sibley Guide to Birdlife and Behavior" by David Sibley p. 78 "Shorebirds, such as the Killdeer, perform a 'distraction display' when a predator (or birder) {or photographer} comes too close to the nest. A common distraction display consists of an adult moving away from the nest while dragging a wing as if it were injured; when the predator [or other intruder] has been led far enough away, the adult flies off."

Thank you for sharing your story and these images. You showed us an interesting example of bird behavior and helped to share the message that while getting the image is something to strive for, the well-being of the wild creature is always more important.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Too bad, but such beautiful shots ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐

24Megapixseal Loc: Kansas

Just so everyone knows, the title is dripping of sarcasm!... Ya know, the "broken wing" ACT!... I've lived in Kansas my whole 62 years and have seen this at least a MILLION times.... The parent bird is perfectly fine...

theaverlo Loc: Iowa

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Really great set. It's amazing how quickly the wing can heal when the predator gets too close to the adult

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

#1

Wrinkles Loc: NC

The red around the pupil is the actual color of her eyes. She is putting on a very good show for you so one of the nests is the real one. The other just might be a decoy. If they are smart enough to fake a broken wing, they are probably smart enough to have two nests in case something happens to one. Sort of like when deer separate their young when they have two. Nice, sharp photos.

24Megapixseal Loc: Kansas

Thanks to everyone for looking and replying!... And providing info!

CCPhotoist Loc: Cape Cod

Nice shots. Birds are very clever.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

Nice set