This award will support a two-month planning visit to the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. Dona Boggs of the University of Montana and Patrick J. Butler of the University of Birmingham propose to conduct preliminary investigations into the ways in which muscular activities of flying, diving, and breathing are coordinated in different species of birds and other vertebrates. The project will ultimately include a study of wing-propelled swimming in little penguins, Eudyptula minor, which will involve cooperation with researchers at Flinders University of South Australia. The project takes advantage of the British investigator's unique expertise, the University of Birmingham's long history in research in diving physiology, and Australian studies of little penguins. This planning visit will provide an opportunity to develop a long-term trilateral collaboration.
