FROM: Stacy Peterson
Loma Linda, CA
SJPeterson at aol.com

Hi all,

Regarding Dunlin hopping on one foot... I have a similar observation from
yesterday's local Audubon Society field trip to Salton Sea, Imperial County,
California (just a tad out of your jurisdiction, I'm sure...!) We observed
what most thought to be four Dunlin on a mudflat less than 20 feet away.
Western Sandpipers walked right by them, and the size and body shape differen
ce was pronounced, as was the downward curve of the bill, etc. The real
"powers that be" on the field trip ID these birds as Westerns, but most of us
disagree. \

Anyway, these four "Dunlin" exhibited the same behaviour described by Burt.
Two of the four hopped around on one leg, giving us the impression they were
missing a leg. However, the funny thing occurred when these two birds
preened - they'd use the leg which was "missing", then tuck it back in and
continue to feed or rest.

It has been suggested that such action often is used as an energy
conservation mechanism. I'm not sure shorebirds need to conserve much heat
at the Salton Sea! :-) May it be a "habit" based on the conservation of
energy proposal?

Any other similar observations? Like Burt, I'd be interested if this in
solely a Dunlin phenomenon, etc.

BTW, if anyone is interested in a full trip report of Salton Sea, send
request to <SJPeterson at aol.com>. Highlights include: TRICOLORED HERON,
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK, GULL-BILLED TERN, YELLOW-FOOTED GULL and a number of
neotropical migrants.

Until later,

--Stacy
SJPeterson at aol.com