Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site sdcc3.UUCP
Path: utzoo!decvax!ittvax!dcdwest!sdcsvax!sdcc3!ma4cc
From: ma4cc@sdcc3.UUCP (ma4cc)
Newsgroups: net.rec.birds
Subject: Re: Bird Wars
Message-ID: <2643@sdcc3.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 20-Jan-85 02:17:23 EST
Article-I.D.: sdcc3.2643
Posted: Sun Jan 20 02:17:23 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 21-Jan-85 04:24:32 EST
Distribution: na
Organization: U.C. San Diego, Academic Computer Center
Lines: 18


     In Chicago I once saw an Eastern Kingbird attack a
Green-backed Heron by actually landing briefly on the back
of the larger bird as it was flying past the Kingbird's
territory.  Unfortunately, the 2 birds disappeared around
the edge of a small island at that point, so I was unable to
see how long the Kingbird was able to stay with the heron.
I presume the ride was a short one.
     In a similar vein, I once observed a Common Grackle 
patiently watching an American Bittern stalk minnows.  The
instant the bittern struck a fish, the grackle dropped down
to peck viciously at the back of the bittern's head.  The
bittern was obviously startled, but did not drop its meal;
and the grackle retreated at once.  I've always been
impressed at the cleverness of this effort by the grackle to
procure fish from water too deep for it to wade in.
_____________________________________________________
Tim McLarnan, ..sdcc3!ix264