Utility Workers’ Protection of Killdeer Nest Pays Off: Three Chicks Hatch in South Carolina Parking Lot


0 Shares

The Berkeley Electric Cooperative in Johns Island, South Carolina, has announced the hatching of three killdeer chicks in their gravel parking lot. 

The discovery was made last month when an employee noticed the shorebird nest, prompting staff to place orange traffic cones around the area to safeguard the nest until the chicks hatched. 

Facebook

According to the company, one of the parents started acting wounded in order to distract predators (in this case, the photographer) and safeguard the chicks.

A company spokesperson stated that the area will remain cordoned off and monitored, as the chicks require up to a month before leaving the nest.

Facebook

“We will continue to keep the area cordoned off and monitor the site as killdeer chicks can take up to a month before they leave the nest.”

The killdeer, the most widespread plover species in North America, breeds from mid-March to August, laying clutches of four to six eggs in shallow depressions in the ground. Incubation lasts 22 to 28 days, with the parents taking care of the eggs. 

Berkeley Electric Cooperative took to Facebook to share the exciting news …

Get Our FREE Bird Feeder Cheat Sheet
Want more birds in your backyard? Get simple tips on attracting feathered friends and maximizing your bird feeding setup. Our free cheat sheet has got you covered!
Download The FREE Cheat Sheet
Southern Living

“The chicks have arrived! Three out of four eggs have hatched on Johns Island. We will keep the area protected and under observation as killdeer chicks can take up to a month before leaving the nest.”

The law prohibits the removal of protected migratory bird species without authorization from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, so Berkeley Electric Cooperative couldn’t have moved the nest. 

See also  Love in the Wild: A Hidden Camera Captures the Heartwarming Moment of a Doting Eagle Doing Everything to Please His Wife!

However, they had no intention of doing so, as they wanted to keep the birds safe. 

“It’s just another way we’re helping to keep the Lowcountry beautiful.”

The efforts of the Berkeley Electric Cooperative have paid off. The killdeer have found a safe haven in the gravel parking lot, and the company’s commitment to keeping the birds safe showcases their dedication to environmental conservation.

Best of luck to this adorable little family!

Get Our FREE Bird Feeder Cheat Sheet
Want more birds in your backyard? Get simple tips on attracting feathered friends and maximizing your bird feeding setup. Our free cheat sheet has got you covered!
Download The FREE Cheat Sheet
0 Shares

Recent Posts