At 15:18 07/07/2002 +0800, Birds of Perth wrote:
For those of you that attended this mornings Birds WA outing to the North
Mole in Freo, you will already know about the amazing observation we made
today. Just thought I'd get in first .... If anyone can elaborate or tell
the story better than I please feel free!
Two (2) Great Southern Petrel came to rest on water off the southern rocks
of the North Mole near the lighthouse. A Crested Tern seemed to be on
trouble on the water nearby, being unable to take flight. Somebody later
told me that fishing line was seen on the bird. One of the Petrels siezed
the opertunity and swooped down on the tern. The Petrel held the tern
under the water to drown it, this was about 5 minutes. While one Petrel
held the tern under water the second Petrel started to pluck feathers from
the terns body. The second Petrel then tried to take the tern and ended up
in a wrestling match with the first Petrel. During this time the tern was
released. It (the tern) floated to the surface where it gave a few last
feeble attempts of life and then died. The winning Petrel took the tern's
body out further from the rocks (50m) where it proceeded to consume it.
During it's meal it was interrupted several times by the second Petrel
whereby an argument and fight would ensue before getting back to it's meal.
Southern Giant-Petrels are not that uncommon at the Fremantle north mole
from May to September. There was a significant storm and winds last night,
and so I was there before dawn (06:50) this morning. Very
disappointing. The conditions were fine and fairly calm. I waited until
07:30am during which time I saw about six Great Skuas and sixteen
Australasian Gannets. There was one possible giant-petrel seen well offshore.
So it is good to see that some giant-petrels were seen during the
outing. This observation follows on a recent report of a Southern
Giant-Petrel chasing and killing a Silver Gull at Thomsons Bay at Rottnest
Island.
PS : As I arrived in the very early first light I saw what looked like a
bat fly past. Does anyone know of any bat species that might inhabit this
area and habitat. I only got the briefest of glimpses. The wingspan was
about 25cm.
___________________________________________________________________
Frank O'Connor Birding WA http://members.iinet.net.au/~foconnor
Phone : (08) 9386 5694 Email :
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