Killdeer aren’t on the top of the list as best bird parents. Look to ospreys and emperor penguins for nurturing.

But I’ve always admired their dedication to protecting their young. In this area, they are the ultimate fakers.

A broken wing, a terrible limp–and predators are led away.

I think we all do a bit of faking to protect those we love.

But usually, we don’t fake weakness.

We fake strength.