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Re: Blk Bk Gulls, predators
- To: "Greg" <cbirdpro@ix.netcom.com>, carolinabirds <carolinabirds@acpub.duke.edu>
- Subject: Re: Blk Bk Gulls, predators
- From: John McLain <jmclain1@gte.net>
- Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2000 11:58:04 -0500
- In-Reply-To: <200011171412.JAA29942@maynard.mail.mindspring.net>
- Sender: carolinabirds-owner@acpub.duke.edu
Just two weeks ago, at Mattusmuskeet, I watched a BBG harass a raft of
coot, isolate one individual, kill it (presumedly by injuring and then
drowning) and then eat it. I watched the entire process through my
scope. Facinating!
The entire drama took maybe 10 minutes.
Jack McLain
Durham, NC
At 09:07 AM 11/17/2000 -0500, Greg wrote:
>On more then one occassion I've seen these large gulls eating waterfowl,
>where presumably the prey was fresh and not carrion. Three occassions come
>to mind vividly. All were in the winter, two on a nearly frozen pond (90+%
>covered) the other on a salt marsh. One was a Mallard, one a Coot, the last
>a Black Duck.
>
>The first 2 (on separate days at the same pond) were on the ice of the
>frozen pond and were still steaming when I arrived. I am only assuming
>that the gull killed the birds, don't know for sure. The third was a kill
>in progress when I arrived. I took a series of photos of the event. I have
>know way of knowing if the duck, or ducks, were weak to begin with due to
>the cold weather, illness... that the gull merely took advantage of that
>fact. However, the assault on the black duck did not appear to be a passing
>thought. It appeared as though it was deliberate, and it was relentless.
>In fact the gull began to eat while the duck was still struggling to escape.
>I don't know if the duck was unable to fly before that attack began because
>I arrived while it was in progress. The duck seemed unable to fly farther
>than a few yards by that time I arrived on the scene.
>
> Has anyone else witnessed Great Black-backed Gulls preying on other birds.
>
>--
>Greg Dodge
>Durham, NC
>http://www.brownbagproductions.com