A feathered story at the sea.

[papilloncharity]

Normally seagulls just storm in and take food away from other birds.

But in here the seagulls present us with the other side of the coin.

This is an African Oyster Catcher (Haematopus moquini), and they are on the near threatened list due to the destruction of their habitat. Read more about these beautiful birds HERE(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_oystercatcher)

The lifespan of an African oystercatcher is about 35 years, of which they are known to pair up for 25 years. Although adults are rarely predated, most mainland egg and chick fatalities are due to disturbance by people, off-road vehicles, dog attacks and predation by the kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) and other avian predators. Offshore pairs experience similar avian predation although most chicks perish due to starvation.

But, I will show you in here how a "brave" Kelp Gull became a whimp.

All at peace, isn't it?

But not for long, as first a juvenile kelp gull came up to try it's luck, but the youngster had never seen an oyster catcher before so it backed off.

All of a sudden, the "brave" male pitched up.

And he shouted at the juvenile kelp gull.

Now why on earth are you hanging around an empty plastic bag here, if that other bird has a great meal? Let me show you how to handle that bird.

Bravely the male gull stepped over to the oyster catcher.

He stopped and considered his attack, but the oyster catcher whispered to him. Come closer mate, so that I can take your legs off.

Ashamed, the "brave" kelp gull turned and flew away.

I wonder what that youngster is going to tell his friends about how brave his dad is? Maybe he would spin them a story about his father not being scared of anything, but his dad felt sorry for the oyster catcher and so he rather left him alone. Do you think the other youngsters will believe him? What if another youngster sat at a distance and also watched the scene? The kelp gull will become the laughingstock, methinks.

I hope you have enjoyed the picture story.

Photos by Zac Smith-All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon PowershotSX70HS Bridge camera.

Thank you kindly for supporting this post.

Comments

[joanstewart]

First time I witnessed oyster catches on our beaches I was super excited to learn they came this high up the coast, beautiful slick bird one does not get to see often.

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[papilloncharity]

Glad that you also had some over there, and maybe they are investigating other areas to breed in. I hope so, as they are great to see when they work the rocks searching for oysters.

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[joanstewart]

Have not been on a beach in so long with questionable water problems ongoing, do miss our walks along the seaside with all the bird life close to the river mouth. Oh well better safe than sorry.

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[papilloncharity]

It is such a shame, but I agree with you, as it's better to avoid than getting sick.

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[mnurhiver]

Pretty good shots of the animals on the beach.

[papilloncharity]

Thank you and glad that you enjoyed the shots.

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[mmckinneyphoto13]

That must've been fun to observe the way they interact, maybe even showing some compassion to each other hehe.

[papilloncharity]

I really thought that the male kelp gull would try to get the food away from the oyster catcher, as it might have been a great fight, but no luck !LOL