Date
1 - 1 of 1
Dance of the Oystercatchers
VerneN
This occurred during the same sighting on the San Leandro Channel on Bay
Farm that I reported a few days ago. I haven't seen this activity before. After each had bathed and preened, all five of the Oystercatchers congregated nearby at a clearing on the beach. Suddenly, they all began piping loudly and chasing each other. Some then paired up randomly and strutted side by side piping and pointing sky-to-ground. This lasted about a minute and ended abruptly with quiet and standing still. After a little rest, they all flew to the nearby riprap to begin hunting. Here's a picture of one of the pairs. From what I've read this is the courtship dance. I think this is it, but I also think it might be ritual play/practice on the part of juveniles (???). http://www.pbase.com/vnelson/image/123203362 <http://www.pbase.com/vnelson/image/123203362>
|
|