Why would a bird pretend to be hurt? Meet the clever killdeer—a ground-nesting bird with amazing tricks to protect its eggs! Discover how it uses camouflage, fake injuries, and even scent-hiding strategies. Plus, learn what the Bible says about truth and being genuine.

Here’s our trail map:

• What Is a Killdeer?
• Why Would a Bird Build a Nest on the Ground?
• What Is the Killdeer’s Broken Wing Act?
• Why Does a Killdeer Chick Leave Its Nest Right Away?
• How Can We Recognize Tricks From Truth?

Episode Links:

• Explore the Answers Bible Curriculum by Answers in Genesis: AnswersBookstore.com/bible
• Explore Apologia’s Live Classes: https://www.apologia.com/live-classes
• Explore Apologia’s Self-paced Classes: https://www.apologia.com/self-paced
• Explore Apologia’s award-winning science curriculum for grades k-12: https://www.apologia.com/subject/science/
• Order Eryn’s book: The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
• Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Killdeer Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/killdeer-bird-facts/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask
• Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“So you must stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body.” Ephesians 4:25 (NCV)

“Your love must be real (genuine). Hate what is evil, and hold on to what is good.” Romans 12:9 (NCV)

“But people who are evil and cheat others will go from bad to worse. They will fool others, but they will also be fooling themselves. But you should continue following the teachings you learned. You know they are true, because you trust those who taught you.” 2 Timothy 3:13-14 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Plover: A category of small to medium-sized birds that live near water, like beaches, lakes, and muddy fields. They have short beaks and long legs, and they like to run, stop, and peck at the ground to find food like insects and worms.
• Killdeer: The killdeer is a plover that grows about 9-11 inches long with brown backs, white bellies, and two black stripes across their chest. Their eyes are bright red or orange.
• Ground Nester: A type of bird that makes its nest on the ground instead of in trees or bushes. They lay their eggs right on the dirt, grass, or rocks, and their eggs...