Aquatic Birds

Partial Rouse

Rouse is a birding term, this Willet only did a partial with the head and neck feathers. Here is a good explanation of the term rouse:
"The first thing we need to do is realize that rousing is not just an action but a behavior that is a direct response to something else. Most often, a rouse is a response to two separate things: The bird’s body, and the world around it.

A bird is most likely to rouse when it is completely comfortable with its surroundings. All wild birds are constantly looking for danger from predators; they need to be ready at a moment’s notice to leave or hide as quickly as possible. A Rouse is an indicator that the bird does not feel any immediate threats around out. This means that a rousing bird is comfortable enough to let its guard down for a brief moment.

Birds also rouse to expel any bothersome debris from their feathers. The raised feathers create gaps that allow the bird to remove excess dirt, damaged feather, and other materials that occasionally get lodged underneath their plumage. Much like a dog shakes to get water off of its coat, birds shake to remove loose debris."
http://www.theurbaninterface.com/blog/rousing
Juvenile Western Willet (Tringa semipalmata)

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