Once we were in Northern California in the vicinity of Tule Lake, looking at
a pond full of the usual stuff. 2 avocets took off and started screaming at
a bird flying high overhead
which turned out to be a juvenile Golden Eagle. The eagle was way up there
but it didn't stop the avocets from climbing even higher and make diving
runs on the bigger bird. We were impressed they had detected a predator that
we needed binoculars to identify!
Another time we were driving through a wildlife refuge in North Dakota or
Montana ( I don't remember which refuge. All I can remember there were lots
of Pronghorns there) when 10- 15 avocets started landing in front of the car
and going into distraction mode. A small group of stilts joined them. It was
at 1st charming being able to see them up close but it began to get weary as
I continually had to brake and come to a complete stop.
Steve Ellis ( The Steve without an avocet recipe)
Coupeville, Wa
sellis at coup.wednet.edu