On Sat, Nov 02, 2002 at 06:10:09PM +1100, Bob Way wrote:
> While waiting to tee-off on the 14th at Long Reef (Sydney's Northern
> Beaches) this afternoon I happened to look up at the radio controlled model
> aeroplanes (gliders) flying in the updraught created at a vertical section
> of the headland. There were about 6 of them. Imagine my surprise when I
> realised that soaring with them was a Red-tailed Tropicbird! It stayed in
> close association with the planes for a few minutes before drifting away
> towards the sea/rock-shelf.
> I understand that these birds are only occasional visitors to these parts,
> mostly turning up over offshore waters in Summer/Autumn. Is this a bit
> early for them? Further, has anyone else seen birds associate with model
> aeroplanes in this way?
There is a published account of a White-tailed Tropic-bird attempting
to copulate with a model glider in California:
Hetrick, W. and McCaskie G., "Unusual behaviour of a White-tailed
Tropic-bird in California", Condor 67:186-187 1965
Andrew
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