THE KILLDEER 487 
regarded as the ideal environment for these eggs. An upland gravel-bed, 
peculiar to that region, was composed of disintegrating fragments of a light 
brown lava mingled with the soil. Each pebble of the bed was scrawled 
aud spotted by a black lichen, as tho tar had been carelessly flung about, 
Upon this bed reposed four Killdeer eggs. When you saw them you saw 
them, because their outlines were rounded instead of angular; but the moment 
the eye departed from them the search had to be commenced anew, so per- 
fectly were the eggs mimicked by their surroundings. 
Young Killdeers are delightful absurdities. Their strength is in their 
Taken in Lorain County. - Photo by the Author. 
NEST AND EGGS OF THE KILLDEER. 
legs, and these carry them pattering away, before the embryonic juices are 
fairly dried upon their backs. They need to be nimble, for all nature turns 
teeth to little birds that cannot fly. 
Fortunately for them the flesh of the Killdeer is not esteemed for food 
by humans, so they are allowed to gather in peace into fall companies con- 
taining a score or two of individuals. The Killdeer is not gregarious at other 
times of year, altho a half dozen pairs may nest in the same field; but in 
fall they flock commonly, and are found about meadow ponds, river bars, 
and even on the lake beaches. 
