** Reply to note from Ruth Sullivan in response to Michael P. -
>
> peggi rodgers writes:
> >how about a rock sandpiper? there is always the exception to seeing birds
> in plumages in off season.example: a dunlin on october 24 1996 in full
> breeding plumage photographed at ocean shores in a large flock of winter
> plumaged birds.

Yes, Michael's carefully reasoned arguments neglected to include the possibility
of suspended molt, something which apparently is induced quite often by injury.
Molting takes a lot of energy which would be better used in the healing process
by a wounded bird.

- Jack



Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jcbowling at mindlink.bc.ca