Night birds
Did you realize Killdeer are somewhat nocturnal. They walk around on their spindly legs and fly across the almond trees. They seem to run in herds but the name for a collection of them is a Seasoning. I have startled some as I walk the field. They seem a little anxious but I think that’s because they lay their eggs in gravel and now the gravel of the world often includes cars.
Killdeer have been a favorite of mine ever since I startled one near a nest. The wounded dance to lure me away charmed me and made me love these tiny audacious feathered things.
It is almost ten pm and their sharp gull-like chirps are ringing through the open window. They do their mating by the light of the moon. They like the full moon for hunting and loving and tonight it’s blazing in the sky, seasoning the night with their sharp chirps and calls.
A little way away a Great Horned owl is hooting seductively. The females screech, which is not seductive but demanding. They know their rights. The male is meditative and wise sounding with his low hoot.
In the darkness now the air is full of cries, but they are not all the cries of a world forgotten and unloved in the dark.
The brave chirps of finding love in shadows, the solemn questions muttered under moonlight. Who? Who? Who will save us from the things that fall apart and who will make us brave enough to sing in the dark and leave our precious eggs lying in rocks? Our nests are so fragile. It’s so hard to see.
Less to worry about when you think of all the birds who go about their business under a full moon in March. All will be well.
