SHUTTLING WATER TO DESERT BABY BIRDS
Though unrelated species, Namaqua sandgrouse and gray gulls have characteristics in common. Both kinds of these birds are noted for nesting in deserts, the sandgrouse in South African deserts and the gulls in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Both areas harbor few predators that would eat the eggs or young of these birds. Even so, the eggs, young and adults of both species are well camouflaged to blend into their sand surroundings for the birds' protection against predators. Water for the chicks is a problem, however. But each species has a unique way of providing water to their youngsters in sand nests on the floors of those desert habitats. Flocks of sandgrouse, males and females, daily commute swiftly several miles, roundtrip, to desert water holes. They land as one body in inch-deep water where they drink their fill of fresh water; safety in numbers. A few hawks persist in catching sandgrous...