It would have been easy to overlook the camouflaged nest of the spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularia), but sharp eyes noticed the four pear-shaped eggs placed in a shallow grassy depression surrounded by gravel. It was the male that was flushed off the nest, the female having deserted after laying the relatively large eggs, leaving the male to incubate and raise the chicks. Perhaps she will seek another partner and repeat the process. This rare mating system is known as polyandry and seems to be the most practical and advantageous way for this species to leave the most offspring possible during the short breeding season.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 15 Jun 2000
From the Sea Lion in Alaska, 6/15/2000, National Geographic Sea Lion
- Aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion
- Alaska
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