I posted Jennifer's email on OBOL (Oregon Birders on Line) and got the
following responses which add to Ken Burton's observation,
Doug Robberson
Tigard, OR
-----------------------
OBOL:
The diving behavior described below parallels behavior I saw 17 Sept 2000
[see Oregon Birds 27:1, p.15] at Willow Creek Reservoir above Heppner. In
that case a Brewer's Blackbird repeatedly drove a Least Sandpiper
underwater. It, too, ultimately escaped.
Paul T. Sullivan
----------------------
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 City, 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
[log in to unmask]
--------------------
OBOLers,
The diving shorebird thread brings to mind a somewhat related 'shorebird'
- Peregrine interaction.
Our experience involved a Peregrine Falcon flying directly towards us,
then using the opening through the trees we used in observing Phalaropes far
out on a lake, turned and flew directly at the small flock feeding on the
water surface. All but one Phalarope got off the water together in
flocking-flight. The one remaining Phalarope, late off the water, was
'dead-meat' or rather 'dead-fowl' as the Falcon closed on it. The
Phalarope dove from its escape flight to beneath the water surface, avoiding
the Peregrine. I do not remember the Falcon making another pass on the lone
bird. Apparently the element of surprise, once lost, was reason enough to
break off pursuit of a Phalarope that would seem to be trapped on the lake
surface.
Please excuse me if I've told this story before. (Maligne Lake, Jasper
National Park, 1977)
--- J & L Allinger
< [log in to unmask]
-------------------------
Back on May 23rd of this year I watched a Merlin attempt to chase down a
Spotted Sandpiper along the Ottawa River, here in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
The spotty dove into the water and disappeared, leaving a very confused
Merlin hovering above. After the Merlin flew off, the head of the spotty
slowly emerged from the water to look around [periscope up!], and seeing it
was alone , exploded from the water and flew straight into the reeds along
the river's shore.
All this took place about 20 feet from where I was standing. Quite a sight.
Cheers
Dave Moore
-----------------------------
Obol~
While searching for an Emperor Goose in Arcata, CA a few winters ago
(2001?), I watched a Peregrine stoop on a flock of Western/Least Sandpipers.
A Western Sandpiper dropped into the water to avoid the falcon. After
several attempts (this wasn't no Osprey!) the Peregrine succeeded in
plucking the bird from the water's surface. The sandpiper was calling
pitifully (weakly?)and struggling to stay afloat; it didn't appear to be a
good swimmer. I talked to the shorebird expert at HSU (Prof. Mark Colwell)
and he said he has observed this behavior multiple times.
Nice observation,
Russ Namitz
Coos Bay
------------------------------
>> From: Shorebird Discussion Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
>> Behalf Of Jennifer Rycenga
>> Sent: Tuesday, August 09, 2005 5:19 PM
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: [SHOREBIRDS] Swimming Spotted Sandpiper
>>
>> 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!
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