A new nest on the block: Killdeer activity expands in contractor’s lot
(SACRAMENTO)
It looks like Ella’s quiet corner isn’t so quiet anymore.
The familiar killdeer that has made a home in the contractor’s lot near Aggie Square appears to have sparked some neighborhood growth. In recent days, a second family has settled nearby, creating a new nesting site adjacent to Ella’s established spot.
A pair of killdeer remain close to their nest on a gravel lot near a wooden parking barrier and parked vehicle, using camouflage and behavior to protect eggs.
Adding to the excitement, this new pair is expecting. Three eggs are nestled in the gravel, well camouflaged among the stones and construction surroundings that killdeer often prefer. Based on current observations, the projected hatch date is around June 19, possibly sooner.
The development suggests the area continues to offer a safe and suitable environment for these resilient birds, even amid ongoing construction. It also adds a new chapter to a story that has already captured staff interest and affection following Ella’s nesting journey.
Killdeer eggs rest in a simple ground nest on gravel, their speckled pattern helping them blend into the surrounding surface.
While the two nests remain distinct, their proximity has transformed the contractor’s lot into a small but lively hub of killdeer activity — something few would expect in a space defined by cars and gravel.
Staff visiting the area are encouraged to continue giving nesting sites plenty of space and to remain mindful of the birds’ protective behaviors. Like Ella, the new parents are likely to be vigilant as the hatch date approaches.
If all goes as expected, mid-June could bring twice the excitement, with two broods of tiny, fast-moving chicks exploring the lot.
Stay tuned, this story may be growing beyond just one family.
