This was not a good raptor-migration day up there, even with a NW breeze and low clouds. I was on the Tower side. There were 2 large groups of birds that did the same thing. First was a flock of 28 D.-C. CORMORANTS; the next was a flock of 75 BRANT. Both appeared, coming from the north, just to my right as I faced that direction; i.e. NNE. As they approached the summit, the flocks slowed, broke ranks, and milled about somewhat. (Yes, obvious even with the brant). Each flock moved about 30' toward The Lake. Then they quickly regrouped and headed south in a direct line. What I surmise is that, in rising to clear the Mount, they suddenly got a glimpse of the water, and some slackers wanted to go there. The leaders, however, after some momentary confusion, reasserted control (somehow; I heard no sounds) and led the flock toward the prearranged destination south.
I have seen flocks of Canada geese behave similarly, but they are always very vocal when they do so. (Discussion in committee). I'm always impressed by individuality, even in a flock. The above surmise is not the only option of explanation, but I think it fits in this case. Steve Fast Brooktondale -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
