FreeLists / bristol-birds / [Bristol-Birds] Hermit Thrush behavior

[Dnldhlt@xxxxxxx]

     I've been observing a Hermit Thrush for the last week or so at the Clyde 
Austin 4-H Center where I work.  One day I saw it feeding on the ground 
underneath a Rosa multiflora that climbs up into a large tree.  The bird seemed 
to 
be shivering.  A closer look showed that it was shaking one leg in a stiff up 
and down motion, vibrating its foot against the ground and/or leaf litter.  
Occasionally it would shift its weight and change legs.  Several times I saw it 
dart forward and bend down to catch a small creature on the ground.  It fed 
like this for several minutes as I watched.
     I have not been able to find a written description of this type of 
behavior in Hermit Thrushes, although it seems similar to the techniques of 
certain 
wading birds.  I do not, however, have ready access to Bent's Life Histories. 
 Has anyone seen a report of this behavior in Hermit Thrushes or other 
non-wading birds before, or seen the behavior itself?

Don Holt
Johnson City, TN
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