We don't have many breeding sandpipers in Ohio, but the spotted
sandpiper Actitis macularia is among the most familiar, and the most
interesting in several ways. For example, when in a couple of weeks they
  arrive in Ohio, the females will mate with multiple males, leaving
each male a clutch of four eggs to incubate on his own. This polyandrous
mating system is rare among birds.
        An interesting post appeared on the Virginia bird list service (on 9
Mar, still on birdingonthe.net) that discusses some of the evolutionary
issues involved in this system, and it's interesting reading, not overly
technical. Gerry Hawkins is the author. If you can't find it on the VA
archives, I made a copy in Word and can send it on request.
Bill Whan
Columbus

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