Baby killdeer always come out running. They hatch with their eyes open, and as soon as their downy feathers dry, they start scurrying about, following their parents and searching the ground for something to eat. Killdeer chicks will also tuck themselves under their mother's wings for warmth and to keep dry. This is just one of the many reasons that the BirdFest & Bluegrass committee chose the Killdeer as the Bird of the Year this year! Donations made to the Friends on days like #GiveMore24 help

Two weeks ago, we shared a story about a baby killdeer who had been found without his parents… Now, we have a happy update to share! Like the two gosling siblings in yesterday’s post, the small but mighty orphan has a new family! On a bright Thursday afternoon, Ann released the tiny patient into the wild. The long-time TWC volunteer watched patiently as the baby let out several loud peeps. Nearby, a mother killdeer, with five little ones of her own, heard the distressed calls and came running. W