I spotted my first ever Killdeer, on the soccer field at ETSU of all places.
I initially thought it was a Piping Plover, as they're similar looking but these birds live and are found along costal sand and gravel beaches.
Either way I was a bit baffled, as both birds are considered "shore birds", and East Tennessee isn't near the shore. However, as I've learned, Killdeer are shore birds you can see without needing to go to the beach -
Seems they prefer open, dry, flat areas, including pastures, cultivated fields, gravel lawns, parking lots, and golf courses. These birds prefer open landscapes with sparse vegetation, often nesting on the ground.
They're highly adaptable and often thrive in habitats modified by humans, frequently nesting on gravel rather than near water.
Learn something new every day...
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