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Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) at the Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)

Killdeer are a regular sight along the water's edge at the refuge, particularly along the western and southern legs of the driving tour, and you're likely to see a few from the observation platform at the main parking area. They breed at the refuge, I can attest, having very nearly parked on top of a killdeer nest (photos of said nest below) on one occasion. Apparently the gravel that composes the refuge's parking lot is also just the sort of habitat a killdeer looks for when it wants to settle down and raise a family.

Killdeer with nest at the Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Killdeer & Nest

Killdeer eggs at the Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Killdeer Eggs