Killdeer Nest Draws Unwanted Attention

Our Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Program staff fielded a number of phone calls recently about a possible injured bird hopping around at a busy intersection in Bay Village. The Bay Police were receiving the same calls. Turns out, the bird wasn't injured at all. It was a Killdeer, which naturally nests on the ground, often in vulnerable areas such as this one.
After conferring with the Police Department, our Wildlife staff decided to place stakes around the nest site with a sign asking passers-by not to disturb it. Since the city grooms that particular spot of grass with large mowers, there was also concern that workers might not notice the nest without a warning.
Killdeer incubate their eggs for about 25 days; then raise their young at the nest site for about a month. Although it is normally unnecessary to protect nesting birds, this nest drew so much attention, we decided to alert the passing public about the natural process that is occurring and to encourage everyone to keep a respectful distance.