Bird Species:
When Taken:
July 10, 2010
Where Taken:
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
Zimmerman, Minnesota
The mother had been sitting on the eggs in the middle of the wildlife refuge road for about 3 1/2 weeks. The rangers had marked the nest with red flags so that nobody would run over it.
They hatched on July 9 and this picture was taken on the 10th. They were already running all over the road. There were four babies. You can see one going to the mother and two others underneath the mom.
It was just one of those rare opportunities that we very seldom see.
The mother has since moved the babies into the grass away from the road which is wonderful.
Advice
- For all of you who are anywhere near Minnesota, there is a lot to see in the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. It is 30,000 acres and a 7 1/2 mile wildlife drive. There are many species of birds there to enjoy and it is open from sunrise to sunset although they never close the gate.
Melissa Mayntz, Birding / Wild Birds Guide, says:
What a touching photo of a very popular plover! The killdeer is one of the most familiar birds to both novice and experienced birders, but despite that familiarity it is rare to see the young chicks just out of the nest like this. A fabulous photo to share, and a great tip about a Minnesota birding hotspot!
