The Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia is the most common member of a large family of long-legged shorebirds.
They are commonly seen teetering about on beaches and salt marshes, although they may also be found in disused parking lots and other places. The breast is spotted only during the breeding season; in winter it is plain white.
Plovers are similar.
Most sea birds are strictly protected by law, and may not be approached or harassed.
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From way back when in 1996 ...
In the dive reflex, heart rate and limb blood flow decrease. Careful science ( that means we didn't accidentally step on the thermisters ) shows time and again that the dive reflex does not reduce the need for oxygen underwater as it does in marine mammals. Field studies ( where you're allowed to step on the thermisters ) indicate that the dive reflex does not extend breath-holding time. Occasional cases of human survival after very cold water near-drowning are not due to the dive reflex. Cold is the likely mechanism behind the reduced metabolism that permits survival.
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