Riding Arena Visitor (Killdeer)

[WM75Guy]

My wife was riding in the arena and noticed this killdeer wasn't moving. Looked it up and that is how they nest, on the ground on roads, flat areas, and such. They are federally protected from having their nest disturbed. Momma ran away when I went to look at her and I saw 4 eggs in the nest. So we put up poles to make sure no one goes near the nest as she blends in quite well. I will hold off dragging the arena till the chicks fledge. My wife will ride at the far end of the arena till then.

 

[RjCorazza]

We had them on our gravel farm lane for many years... They liked the camouflage of the stone.
They are also known to limp / flop around while moving away from the nest to keep predators away.