Re: birding-aus Black-fronted Plovers spiralling flight.

["Jim Davis" <>]

Jon:

Most intriguing observation.  My first impression was an escape response
elicited by the sight of a predator approaching (since you were engrossed in
watching the plovers you may not have noticed a hawk or falcon flying
overhead).  The clicking sounds could have been alarm calls --- designed to
be broadcast over short distances -- which, in turn, prompted all the
plovers to take-off in a tight formation.  A "spiralling formation" could
confuse or inhibit attack from an aerial predator.  When landing the birds
would have to disperse somewhat to avoid hitting one another as they
approached the ground.

Does this interpretation fit the facts?  Can you provide us with any other
contextual information?  And lastly, what did you find out from your reading
of HANZAB

Cheers, Jim

Dr Wm. James Davis, Editor
Interpretive Birding Bulletin
www.ibirding.com