Killdeer

As we pass through mid-April we find ourselves with more shorebirds on our shores. One sometimes confusing bird often encountered by people in mowed fields, parking lots, airports, parks, gravel roads, and other more developed spots is the Killdeer. They somewhat resemble the Piping Plover and the Semipalmated Sandpiper, but the first clue as to their identity comes as you'll find Killdeer in those dry habitats instead of only sandy beaches, marshes, or mudflats.

They have a bright red eye ring and two breast bands. Their long, all black bill fits well with their long wings and long tail. They are overall larger, bulkier, and noisier birds, too. This bird was hanging out with another at Stratford Point, occasionally hopping up to avoid a passing Northern Harrier. The next few weeks should yield a lot more shorebirds passing through Connecticut.

Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
RTPI Conservation & Outreach Coordinator