Bridled Tern killed by ticks.

[Del Richards <>]

    During the week prior to Christmas a Bridled Tern was picked up in 
a back yard at Newell Beach just north of Mossman, no longer able to fly.
    On close examination three large paralysis (?) ticks were found on 
it's legs. Incredibly the largest of the ticks was the size of a five 
cent piece and the other two smaller.
    After discussing the incident with a local vet the ticks because of 
their make up would have been impervious to any effect by the extreme 
saline environment of Barrier Reef waters. It would also seem that ticks 
may be a common problem for seabirds in some regions.
    The tern died the same night.
What is the experience of seabird researchers?

Del. Richards, Fine Feather Tours, Mossman, NQ.


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