Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2002 08:06:27 -0400 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Greg Downing Subject: Sandpiper burrowing to cool off? In-Reply-To: <20020214.170228.-309187.5.halpinj@juno.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hello all! It's been a long time since I have participated in the list and it's good to be back :) I have a quick question regarding the behavior of a Least Sandpiper for which I hope is appropriate for the list. A friend of mine and fellow photographer observed the least going in and out of a depression in the earth, pressing it's breast into the ground further each time. A photo can be found here: http://www.naturephotographers.net/cgi-bin/bbs/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_to pic&f=6&t=007429 My question is was this bird trying to cool off or trying to hide from predators? It was hot (upwards of 90 degrees) but there were also peregrine falcons in the area. Another friend of mine, Artie Morris, seems to think that latter, but I am more inclined to think the former. I have tried to find this behavior documented somewhere, but to no avail. Any and all input appreciated! Greg Downing Parkton, MD www.gdphotography.com gregdowning@mindspring.com ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================