I had noted that , what I'm sure was the same gull, was always at the same spot at the same time on several successive mornings. I stopped one morning, actually hoping to get better shots of the Little Egret that's been arou
and photographed this gull while I waited. It seemed interested in the New Zealand Cushion Sea Star Patiriella regularis that it's pictured holding. This sea star is an invader from New Zealand and considered a pest. It picked it up several times and dropped it, seemingly hoping that this would make it more manageable. This was followed by pecking, until having made no impression on it, the sea star was swallowed whole, temporarily changing the gulls outline, as you can see in the middle shot. Quite a feat. If only gulls could make some impression on the much more invasive Northern Pacific Sea Star..... Both these sea stars have made major impacts on related native species, especially in the River Derwent.
Shortly afterwards it started to "foot paddle". That is the rapid up and do
1 comment:
As you say, Alan,
I'm not surprised at ANYTHING a kelp Gull would try to eat! Thankfully, they are far less common in the north of the state than down your way.
We are heading to Hobart this afternoon, and back tonight, so will have to keep an eye our for interesting birds (and try to get some pics) on the way.
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