Hi all,
I had the pleasure of catching a rare (for me) glimpse of a yellow-breasted
chat at York River State Park the other night. Actually, I saw and heard two of
them. One was singing, the other flew out of some bushes while calling, then
hovered in mid-air making some loud clapping noises with its wings before
hiding itself away in a tree. I've heard those noises before and always just
assumed it was part of the chat's vocal repertoire; I had no idea it was
produced by the wings. Is anyone else familiar with this display? Any ideas
about its meaning/use?
Caitlin K.
Williamsburg, VA
