Re: Arctic Jaeger at Rickett's Point, Melbourne

["Mike Carter" <>]

Yes Paul, it is an Arctic Jaeger but it is not a juvenile. It is an adult 
intermediate morph moulting into non-breeding plumage. Species determined by 
large body with small head and pale forehead. Morph determined by pale sides of 
the neck contrasting with dark cap. Age indicated by uniformly dark unbarred 
underwing. Breeding plumage central tail feathers have already been shed so 
moult is proceeding. Thanks for the revealing photos.
I'd be exhausted too if I'd just flown more than halfway around the world 
especially if there was a shortage of food in the northern Pacific to build fat 
reserves before setting out! I recall that being the favoured reason for the 
last big spring Short-tailed Shearwater wreck in eastern Australia. 
Congratulations to you, the rescuers, vet and carer. I suspect all it needs is 
a good feed.

Mike Carter
30 Canadian Bay Road
Mount Eliza  VIC 3930
Tel  (03) 9787 7136