I have watched a flock of MARBLED GODWITS (20-30 or so birds) completely
submerge themselves when attacked by a PEREGRINE FALCON.  This occurred
in Humboldt Bay, Humboldt Cty, California.  They dove like diving ducks,
the entire flock.  Guess it was quicker and safer than trying to fly off.

Cheers
Dave Lauten
Bandon OR
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Jennifer Rycenga wrote:
> I've been enjoying this list so far.  I thought I would forward this message
> (with permission) from a birder who is not yet on the list.  This seemed an
> interesting behavior to me.  How many shorebird species can swim underwater
> to avoid avian dive-bombing predators?
>
> Jennifer Rycenga
> Half Moon Bay, CA
> ----------
> From: "Ken Burton" <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Tue, 9 Aug 2005 12:35:27 -0700
>
> I was paddling on Stone Lagoon (Humboldt County) this morning when a SPOTTED
> SANDPIPER took off along the shoreline ahead of me.  A PEREGRINE FALCON
> appeared and gave chase, forcing it out over the water.  When the falcon got
> too close, the sandpiper dove into the water and submerged.  The falcon
> began circling.  Every time the sandpiper came up for air and tried to swim
> back to shore, looking quite phalarope-like and calling piteously, the
> falcon swooped in and forced it back down, apparently trying to tire it
> enough to pluck it from the water.  This went on for several minutes, with
> the sandpiper making slow progress but clearly running out of steam.
>
>
>
> <long digital pause inserted here to heighten suspense>
>
>
>
> Ultimately, the sandpiper did make it back to shore under the cover of some
> overhanging vegetation.
>
> Ken Burton
> McKinleyville
>
> P.S. from Jennifer - there's a new tongue-twister in here: Swimming Spotted
> Sandpiper Speeds Safely to Safety!
>
>