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Posted by Jeff Weber on 19:34:25 09/23/06
In Reply to: Northern Wheatear behavior/viewing situation posted by Bill Pranty
Bill: This Wheatear was not in the least wary on September 21. it allowed me to get within 20 ft. or so without flushing, and it actually approached me several times while I was trying to focus on it. it reminded me of the Nene on Maui that walked up and pecked on my lens while I was trying to photograph it. All of the Wheatear's movements seemed to be driven by its hunting behavior and not by the presence of humans. At one point during the morning, the Wheatear retreated and perched atop the Brazilian Pepper at the far edge of the grassy field, but I think that's because it just wanted to be there, not because it was driven off.
I didn't experience that wariness with the Northern Lapwing near Lake Placid a few years ago, either. I was one of the last ones to see that bird (after three earlier unsuccessful trips up there from Miami), and it landed within 50 ft of me while calling, showing no concern about my presence. I was the only one there though, at dusk, which may have make it more confiding.
Anyway, the Wheatear in ENP seemed (on Sept. 21) to be all about finding a meal and not skittish at all.
As for ranger interaction, when I pulled up in my car, a park employee asked me if I was looking for the Wheatear and pointed out where it had last been seen, a few minutes earlier. They let me walk all around the area without any hassle at all, for which I was most grateful.
I honestly don't think this bird is being spooked by birders.
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