But Little Blacks hunt in packs. The advantage appears to be a 'herding' of fish ahead of the swift swimming pack. The disadvantage is an instant challenge against any bird that takes a fish too large to be immediately swallowed. Side note: 50-60 Little Blacks in Tyto overnight the only large group of the species to spend much time in the wetlands in six years or more.
Worst for last. Australian Little Bittern (Ixobrychus dubius) disappears across scleria in Tyto today. Male, but you'll have to take my word for it. My only flight picture in six years. Saw male and female yesterday, without even bad picture. Tomorrow ...
Great photos of the Little Black Cormorants. I knew they did things as a flock but haven't yet seen them fighting over fish. Must look more closely next time.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy just to see a Little Bittern let alone get any kind of photo of one.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of the Little Pied'
Alan
Hi Mick: Theft breaks out only when large fish, which can't be gobbled down quickly, are taken.
ReplyDeleteHi Alan: Another bird that might just get blown down your way by a night northerly.
Any northerly that would blow your Bittern to Tassie would make for a Bitter(n) Wind Storm, Tony.
ReplyDeleteNice photo essay about cormorant hunting.
Cheers
Denis
H Denis: Unlikely, I know. But maybe a few more strangers cross from southern Victoria than we imagine. Besides, we've a duty to cheer up Taswegians whenever possible. They've got enough misery, man(Gunns)made and natural, as it is. And that's before the arrest of sainted gardening gurus!!!
ReplyDelete