[wisb] Re: RFI - Killdeer chicks (thanks)
- From: "Cathy Gagliardi" <patcatgags@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "WIBird" <wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "MNBird \(new\)" <mnbird@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 19:20:01 -0500
Wow, these listserves are great when you need help...
thanks so much for all the responses.
I have learned something new today and thought I would share....
"Killdeer chicks like ducklings, goslings, grouse chicks, etc. are precotial,
that is, they can feed/fend for themselves right after hatching. I imagine
they are just moving on to better feeding grounds and the adults will stay
close by. It's just a matter of time before they are all on the ground with
mom and dad, who will keep an eye on them to protect and keep them warm by
brooding if necessary (in cold wet weather)."
If the 3 chicks are on the ground tomorrow, (no more roof for them) but I
will try and get them to a more grassy area close by.
Thanks again everyone,
Cathy
----- Original Message -----
From: Cathy Gagliardi
To: WIBird ; MNBird (new)
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2009 5:43 PM
Subject: [wisb] RFI - Killdeer chicks
Does anyone know why baby Killdeer are jumping (or falling) off the roof of
where their nest is?
Yesterday, we were able to capture one chick and bring it back up to the
roof but now today we found & captured 2 of them running around close to the
back parking lot of Wild Birds Unlimited in St. Paul.
Each time we re-unite the family Mom & Dad tend to them right away, who
also have a 3rd chick with them on the roof - so I don't believe they've
been rejected or given the boots.
The chicks are young, possibly a week old(?) with a body size of a Finch
and what eventually will be wings are little stubs. Their legs are about 3
inches long and boy can they run.... peeping the whole time on the ground
with Mom & Dad up on the nest.
This Killdeer pair come back each year to nest on the roof and we've seen
fully developed chicks on the ground before but never this young. I'm ready
to bring up some fencing (or playpen) just to keep them contained but I'm
sure there's many disadvantages to that, since the chicks couldn't escape a
predator.
I welcome all suggestions on how to keep them on the roof and any insight
as to why they are jumping too early in life.
I worry tomorrow we will find all 3 on the ground.
Thanks for any help you can give me,
Cathy Gagliardi
St. Paul, MN
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- » [wisb] Re: RFI - Killdeer chicks (thanks) - Cathy Gagliardi
