Wildlife photographer Peter Dahms captured this charming portrait of a killdeer near his home in Hinchinbrooke. He suggests that while some might take the killdeer for granted as a common bird, the large plover “could use a little more notice, as it is currently regarded as near-threatened due to its declining population.” Dahms says the bird, which is named after its shrill, two-syllable call which some say sounds like “kill deer,” can be found in fields around rivers and streams at this time of year. The bird lays its eggs in a nest on the ground, where its muted colours make it blend in with the worked fields. “I find it to be a handsome bird, despite its rather alarming red-orange eyes,” he commented. (SR)
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