Hello Thais and others,

We observed the same behavior between 2 male Northern Pintails,where the
birds pushed into eachother on the ground,as well as lifted themselves into
the air at the same time as they touched breast to breast and we received
several private replies that it was "typical" territorial behavior. Our
photos of this is still on our website at the following link:

http://www.pbase.com/godwit/october05photos/

Maybe this is what you observed even if it was between 2 loons and not
waterfowl.


Sincerely,

Ruth and Patrick Sullivan


----- Original Message -----
From: "Thais Bock" <tbock29 at concentric.net>
To: <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2005 6:02 PM
Subject: [Tweeters] loon behavior


>
> Hi Tweets: Several days ago I witnessed something near Saltwater SP new
> to
> me and I'm looking for some input. Two Common Loons facing one another
> would make loud noises while coming face to face then rising straight up
> with white breasts almost touching before sliding down and proceeding to
> repeat this behavior many times. Is this some sort of bonding ritual or is
> it two aggressive males vying for a female?
> Thais Bock
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