We have a new resident in our corral these days. This little killdeer has decided to move into our corral.

Obviously, corrals are generally used for the cows and horses around here. So what if a little bird moves in, she can fly away if trouble heads her way, right?

Well, not only has she moved into our corral, she has also made her current nest smack-dab under one of the gates. Her nest consists of many, many small rocks and pebbles...and four speckled eggs.

Everytime we go down to the barn she does the injured-wing routine.

The kids are amazed at what lengths she will go to when protecting her eggs. I try explaining to them that maternal instincts are mighty powerful. I, of course, draw the parallel of my own instinct to protect my children. My son immediately asks how come that instinct didn't kick in when he fell and scraped his arm at the pool? Or where was that instinct hiding when our youngest decided to walk on the kitchen table? My daughter chimes in, asking where my "insect" was when she scratched her knee.

I assured them the instinct is still there, but possibly my reflexes aren't up to par. Except when it comes to small children walking on the kitchen table. Oh yeah, reflexes kicked in then. I hurdled the laundry basket, Tonka dump truck and stick horses lying between me and the table, only to have my toddler laugh as I grabbed him off the table. Maternal instinct at that point was to turn him over to his father; let's see if Dad can vault across the kitchen in a single bound!

Thankfully the gate she has claimed as her own leads into only one pen. We have been able to avoid using that pen and plan to continue doing so. But, I am hoping these chicks hatch soon! I can't measure up to this mama bird's never-fail maternal instinct.