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It appears that I was in need of a little sleep
when I put this posting together. The migratory waders will, in a manner of
sorts sleep.
During high tides, many of these species actually
do put significant portions of their brain to sleep as they roost along
shorelines. However, they generally keep some parts quite conscious, in order to
spot predators or respond to the movements of those birds around them that do -
hence the occassional false alarm. During migration flights these birds employ
similar modes of sleep and thus do spend considerable periods with various parts
of their minds in sleep mode. (many Sydney motorists will be familiar
with a function in human beings too!)
This of course is just one of many adaptions which
selective forces have bestowed upon the migratory waders in order for
them to achieve their journeys and all are equally amazing.
Ricki
Broome WA
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