Subject: [Tweeters] Update: Creeper behavior theories
Date: Aug 3 11:59:01 2012
From: Tucker, Trileigh - TRI at seattleu.edu


Hello Tweeters,

One of the things I love about birding in general, and Tweeters in particular, is how a happenstance observation leads to such interesting discussions/ideas/interpretations! Those two little Brown Creepers who flattened themselves against Doug Fir bark generated more comments and suggestions than I imagined, some of which went to Tweeters as a whole and some of which came directly to me:

* Concealment to avoid a predator I didn't perceive
* Probably not concealment because their white throats were turned sideways where they'd be visible
* Protective behavior toward a nearby nest
* Fledglings resting
* Territorial display of two males toward each other
* Sideways position of head turns one eye upwards for 180? vision, to better watch for predators
* Sunbathing to allow UV in sunlight to activate vitamin D in oils distributed by prior preening, to be followed by more preening to ingest vitamin D

It's really fascinating, and I'll be doing some Google Scholar searching to see if I can find out anything more.

Thanks so much to all the Tweeters who offered thoughts and ideas ? Tweeters are the most generous folks!

Cheers,
Trileigh

(BTW, I had a nice interaction with a young Cooper's Hawk the other day, who hopped repeatedly closer to me at ground/eye level. Photos on my Flickr site (link below).)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Trileigh Tucker
Natural history blog: Naturalpresence.wordpress.com
Photos: Flickr.com/photos/trileigh