[NatureLvrCanada]

Was watching this little Semi-palmated Plover running about. Then it suddenly plopped itself down onto the sand and stayed like that for 20 seconds or more. Then it got up again and went about its way.

Any idea what this behaviour in plovers would indicate?

Picture of it.
http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/85411263

[Kolya]

The coloration would indicate a juvenile / born this year . . . I'd expect there to be an instinctual "freeze and blend in " response . . perhaps to something flying overhead? or even you?

I have seen snowy plover doing the same thing whereupon it was very difficult to locate them until they moved again.

[Dave B Smith]

Don't have a clue about the behavior, but it's a great shot!

[Larry Lade]

I have seen Semipalmated Plover routinely exhibiting this behavior here in Missouri. Most of the time they appear to me to be just resting for a time.

Although at times this may be a response to a perceived threat such as those mentioned above.

The bird in your photo appears to me, to be responding to a perceived threat.