Yesterday it struck me why I’ve missed this stage of development in Killdeer in the past. I’ve often photographed very young chicks but at the age of this bird the youngsters are almost as large as the adults. So with my naked eye I assume they are adults and since Killdeer are so common in my usual bird haunts I often don’t even aim my lens their way. But yesterday morning (here on the Montana farm) I happened to look at this bird through my lens and it then became obvious that it was a young juvenile.
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Notice that there’s a few remnants of down feathers left, lower neck feathers haven’t fully opened, tail and wing primaries are not fully developed, the eye ring color is more subdued than in adults and it has that overall “juvenile look”. This bird had a sibling that appeared to be ever so slightly more developed.
This extended camping trip is soon to come to an end. This morning I begin my 700 mile journey south. Since I’ll be pulling the camping trailer it will take me at least two days to arrive home but good birds may slow me down…
Ron
One of the gifts of rehabilitation is opportunity to watch babies grow up. After some years, we’ve seen every stage of many, many species. What we don’t get is the gift of time to spend outside during baby season. An active rehabber is pretty much housebound during daylight hours, continually feeding babies for several months each year. Thank you for giving me a morning glimpse of the greater world every day!
Adorable. We have these birds here, but I have never seen one that young.
Love the gawky teenage look.
Drive safely, and I hope the diversions are all feathered.
This little guy is a real cutie. I’ve only seen adult killdeer before. I hope your trip home is safe and easy, and that it is slowed down by lots and lots of interesting birds.
I can still remember the first broken wing act, that I saw as a young girl. Had several flying and calling the other morning.
It’s great to discover them at this age because they’re beginning to really explore and, like any youngster, are innately curious about everything. The parents aren’t quite as paranoid about protecting them as they were a couple of weeks prior.
Wonderful capture, Ron!
What a sensational shot Ron! I have never seen one at this stage of development either, maybe I need to open my eyes. Thanks for sharing.
Charlotte
Such a perky, elegant looking little bird…looks quite proud of himself…or herself.
Ron, do every do any hands-on workshops? I love your style and the places you go.
Love this little guy, Ron!! So glad you got to capture him – he/she does look “fluffy”!! As you begin your trip home I send you off with this song I KNOW you will remember in an area it fits SO well – “Happy Trails To You”!!!
I’ve seen the adults but never the young. Fabulous. 🙂
Thanks, Arwen. I thought it was a pretty interesting bird.