HUNTING WITH A MICROPHONE 



•^ J, A 







AN AMERICAN AVOCET MAKES CAREFUL PREPARATIONS BEFORE COVERING ITS EGGS 



They are so large compared to the size of the brooder's body that it is difficult to cover all 

 four of them. Before settling upon the eggs the bird usually turns them with its bill and adjusts 

 them so that the small ends are toward the center like wedges of a cut pie. 





IN INCUBATING, THE AMERICAN AVOCET MUST BE A CONTORTIONIST 



The long legs are folded and straddle the nest. When feeding, avocets use the curious upturned 

 bill like a scvthe. Flat at the tip and as thin as a knife blade, it is swung from side to side to gather 

 marsh flies and their larvae from soft mud or from the surface film of shallow water. 



