Tractor-Critter Encounters

[patrick_g]

overszd, Thanks for sharing the pix. My experience has been that given the opportunity they prefer to nest in gravel or bare dirt more than in grass. Unfortunatley that means we have to issue navigation instructions to friends as they nest in our driveways and private graveled roads.

Have you a side view of the chicks to share? They are just darling little balls of fluff on those long stiltlike leggs. So quickly they are minature copies of their parents in looks and actions.

If you ignore the "crippled bird dragging a wing" ruse the parent will sometimes flop over on its back with outstretched wings and do a dieing bird act. Once I know where the nest is I try to avoid it but the birds usually get in front of a vehicle and run along in front flying a bit ahead and then running awhile. I suppose they think they are luring the big monster away when we are just driving in the driveway. Some years the parents produce multiple hatchings of 3-5 at a time from the same nest used year after year.

Pat

 

[ovrszd]

overszd, Thanks for sharing the pix. My experience has been that given the opportunity they prefer to nest in gravel or bare dirt more than in grass. Unfortunatley that means we have to issue navigation instructions to friends as they nest in our driveways and private graveled roads.

Have you a side view of the chicks to share? They are just darling little balls of fluff on those long stiltlike leggs. So quickly they are minature copies of their parents in looks and actions.

If you ignore the "crippled bird dragging a wing" ruse the parent will sometimes flop over on its back with outstretched wings and do a dieing bird act. Once I know where the nest is I try to avoid it but the birds usually get in front of a vehicle and run along in front flying a bit ahead and then running awhile. I suppose they think they are luring the big monster away when we are just driving in the driveway. Some years the parents produce multiple hatchings of 3-5 at a time from the same nest used year after year.

Pat

Sorry I don't have any more pictures. These nest right at the edge of the drive where the grass starts. This past year they were a few inches further over into the grass. And yes, just like you, everyone knows to look out for the red flags at the edge of the driveway and to look for chicks when they drive in. We have two pair that nest in our drive every year. This is the first time we have gotten a picture of them hatching. And you are right, they are marked just like the parent and can run within a few hours of hatching. When Momma screams hide, they immediately squat down and will let you step on them or run over them without moving. Every Spring we look forward to their return.