Subject: Spotted Sandpiper
Date: Dec 1 13:45:57 1999
From: Joe Mackie - jmackie at cc.wwu.edu


This discussion about peculiar avian characteristics reminded me of my visit
last May to SE Arizona. I was taking a guided walk in Carr Canyon in the
Huachuca Mountains and we came across a Painted Redstart. Our guide
explained that the unique sudden spasmodic-like movements of the wings while
the bird was foraging and gleaning branches and leaves caused insects to
move reactively, thus exposing their locations. These little details of
behavior really make it all quite fascinating, yes?

Joe Mackie
jmackie at cc.wwu.edu
Bellingham