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Did you know
one of the most

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unusual birds
makes its home

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right here in Wisconsin?

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is the killdeer!

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is the killdeer!

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We filmed a killdeer

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in its native habitat

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in Baileys Harbor, Door County.

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Killdeers are shorebirds

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in the plover family.

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Like most shorebirds,

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they are known for skinny legs

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and spritely running.

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They get their name

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from the shrill noise

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they make when calling out.

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The call sounds somewhat like...

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Killdeer don't build

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traditional nests.

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Instead, they create

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a small depression in the dirt,

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known as a “scrape,”

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and surround it

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with pebbles and debris.

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Sandy, gravelly beaches

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are ideal
for this tiny bird,

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but killdeer scrapes

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can often be found

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on gravel rooftops,

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golf courses,

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and even parking lots.

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Yikes!

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Watch out!

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Because the killdeer lays

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its eggs out in the open,

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it has created

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a remarkable adaptation.

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If a killdeer fears

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its nest is in danger,

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killdeer
moms and dads

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will pretend to have

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a broken wing.

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to lure predetors away.

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Now that's a devoted parent!

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No actual deer were harmed

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in the making of this video.

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Explore more nature,

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with PBS Wisconsin.