Interesting observation at Darwin Seage Works this afternoon. A saltwater
crocodile, about 2.5m long was on one of the tracks. Lined up in neat lines
either side of it, some less than 30-40cm away from its open jaws, were 90
Pied Herons and 45 Masked Lapwings. The birds weren't attempting to mob the
croc, they were presumably just keeping a (very) close eye on it. Eventually
the croc moved across the track and into a pond on the other side, but the
birds stayed for a while to make sure it was gone. In fact the bulk of the
lapwings were still there 40 minutes later, though the Pied Herons were well
gone.
The White Wagtail is still there too, well into breeding plumage now. I had
brief thoughts of how unlucky it would be if it were eaten by the croc,
because it hangs around very close to the edge of the ponds.
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P.O. Box 41382 Casuarina 0811
Darwin NT Australia
Ph. 61-8-89451130
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