Killdeer fake injury to protect the nest. Once danger comes too close, the bird gets up off the nest, drawing attention to itself by beginning to spread the tail feathers. The wings are dropped into positions that make the bird appear to be hurt and incapable of flight. Then, the bird attempts to lead the threat away from the nest. As long as the bird holds the attention of the danger, it moves away from the nest, constantly making noise and feigning that it is injured. This helps attract the threat away from the nest. Having led the perceived danger away from the nest, the killdeer suddenly "gets better," assumes an upright posture, and will fly away. It eventually circles the area and returns to incubate the eggs in the nest. #Killdeer #FakeInjury #AmazingBird #BirdLife #ProtectNest