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Weird Sittella behaviour

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Subject: Weird Sittella behaviour
From:
Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 12:00:52 +1000

G'day all

I'm passing this observation on for a friend who is not on line.  We are both
puzzled by this behaviour and would appreciate comments.

A few weeks ago up Cape York way.  A small flock of Sittellas were feeding on a
dead tree in their usual animated and noisy way.  Presumably at a signal
(although none was heard) they all froze in whatever position they happened to
be in.  Three or four minutes later they all unfroze (thawed?) and continued
exploring the tree.  Other birds in the visinity, including Blue-faced
Honeyeaters, showed no change in their behaviour during this episode.  There was
no sign of predators such as birds of prey or snakes.  My friend and his
companion had time to change lenses on their cameras and take several photos
during this episode.  The only movement of the birds was in their eyes.  No
alarms were heard at all.

What do people think?  I'll pass on your comments to my friend.

Cheers


Steve

*********************************************************
Steve Clark
45 Carmichael Street, Hamilton, Victoria, 3300
www.ansonic.com.au/clarks/sw_birds.htm
*********************************************************



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