Hi all,
whilst clearing a section of industrial land of dumped rubbish, long grass,
etc., noticed a small House Mouse scampering across a bare area of earth,
obviously looking for suitable refuge. Although there were quite a few
Silver Gulls on the site, most hanging around the dozer and other machinery,
a single immature gull took a fancy to the mouse. The gull ran up to the
mouse picked it up, and flicked it to the ground. The mouse lay doggo for a
few seconds then took off. This went on for three minutes or so, the mouse
becoming less lively each time it was thrown to the ground. In the end, the
mouse was finished. The gull stood above the dead mouse for about a minute
or so, then picked it up, manoeuvred the morsel so that the head was
pointing down its throat, then swallowed the mouse. Hmm.... bigger than
originally thought. With most of the tail protruding, the mouse was brought
up. A few more minutes of vigorous shaking, then back in the mouth,
swallow, still too big. While this was happening, a few of the staff had
also noticed the action, and were loudly cheering the Gull on. After five
minutes or so, the Gull finally had softened the little carcass up enough
that it was able to swallow most of it, even the tail. A bit more gulping,
neck extending, one more gulp, the mouse was gone. With a large bulge in
its neck, the Gull was given suitable applause by the onlookers, did a poo,
then walked of in search of other action.
Richard Dilena
Ocean Grove
Victoria, Australia
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