BLACK-NECKED STILT NEST
Sullivan County
June 15, 2002
Two Black-necked Stilts were first located by Michael Brown on June 14, 2002. On June 15, 2002, four birds were present. While watching one pair of stilts it was believed that the birds were on nest based on their behavior and being seen resting on the ground. Since the birds were not constantly at the nest it was decided that photographs should be obtained to verify nesting was taking place. Fortunately, Lee Sterrenburg was able to obtain photos of the nest and eggs. Although it could not be confirmed, the other pair of stilts that were present also appeared to have a nest. This constitutes the first known nesting record of this species in Indiana and one of only about eight sightings. Because of the lack of rain, hot temperatures, and ephemeral nature of flooded ag fields, there is a strong possibility the nest will be abandoned once the water in the field dries up.
Update: On June 29, 2002, Lee Casebere revisited the site and found no water present. The birds were not seen. It appeared to Lee that the farmer was able to plant some corn in the areas that previously were underwater. It is assumed that either the nest was abandoned and/or it was destroyed during the planting process.
The first photo taken by Don Gorney shows the habitat where at least one pair of Black-necked Stilts is nesting. The view is looking west into a flooded farm field. The field in the foreground is newly planted while the area under water and beyond is corn stubble from last year.
This photo was taken by Lee Sterrenburg (with Gorney's camera - thanks Lee!) at the nest site. Notice the corn stalk, nesting material and two eggs. Baicich and Harrison in A Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of North American Birds report that stilts have 3 to 5 eggs.
Here is a closer photo view of the eggs taken by Lee Sterrenburg. Notice the top egg has a mint green base color while the bottom egg is browner with a hint of a green tinge. Does the green mint base coloration of the top egg indicate it was freshly laid?
A note about the photos: To minimize disturbance to the stilts and other birds it was decided that only one person (Lee Sterrenburg) should visit the nest to obtain photos. The visit was completed while the birds were away from the nest since they were not incubating full-time. The time at the nest was extremely brief and the stilts were seen returning to the nest after the person left the area. All others in the group remained 600 feet away on the road. Data regarding the nesting has been provided to the DNR's Heritage Database coordinator. Information in the Heritage Database assists the DNR in setting priorities and in making decisions on land acquisitions.