Willet R.E. Johnson 1967 April 8 Santa Barbara, California (cont.) at the distant feeding location almost as if they could see a specific food item at a distance & even before it is [illegible] uncovered by the tide. They often turn their backs on the water & probe seemingly oblivious of the threat of the waves. Perhaps this only is true when the waves are small (mean 1ft, high, max 1/2 ft). Facing toward shore may facilitate rapid escape when the water rushes in. Considerable feeding is done while running in with the tide. A typical foraging route involves a rapid dash out with the receding water line and follow by feeding, a series of rapid retreats punctuated by short probing periods. The birds appear to have an uncanny ability to estimate the depth of the water & its rate et al. of movement so they never get hit by a wave even though they do not face it. Perhaps tactile receptors in the feet or legs supply information as to movement rate & depth? allowing accurate estimates & predictions of the advance of each wave.