Natural History Wanderings

The Star Advertiser in Honolulu reported that Pacific Golden Plovers were tracked flying non-stop from Oahu, Hawaii to Alaska at a rate of 39 mph.  In three days they went almost 3000 miles.  The birds made the return trip in about four days.  Researchers said there was no sign that the birds made any contact with water during the flights.  The study was led by Wally Johnson of Montana State University and funded by Brigham Young University-Hawaii and Audubon.

To read more go to: http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20110705_devices_clock_fastflying_plovers.html

To see photos of the Pacific Golden Plover go to:  http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=pluvialis+fulva