Unusual Gull Behaviour

[Olybirder]

I was at Strumpshaw Fen recently and noticed this Black-headed Gull behaving in an unusual manner. Shoals of small fish kept breaking the surface of the water and the gull spotted them and was skimming along just above the surface with its open beak in the water, attempting to scoop them up. It kept repeating this every time the fish appeared nearby. The third photo is not very good but it shows the fish splashing just in front of the gull.

E-M1 II and 300mm F4.

Ron

[MJ224]

[Wee man]

Re: Unusual Gull Behaviour

Brilliant shots.

Maybe it's a none swimmer!

OK I am going.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Jim Ford]

Re: Unusual Gull Behaviour

The small fish were probably trying to escape from fish predators below. I've seen several large perch harrying fry that leapt out of the water in an attempt to escape.

Jim

[Olybirder]

Re: Unusual Gull Behaviour

Did he catch one??……….

I have added a fourth photo, showing the gull as it comes to a stop after one of its fishing trips. It is hard to tell if it looks satisfied or disappointed with its efforts.

Ron

[Olybirder]

Re: Unusual Gull Behaviour

The small fish were probably trying to escape from fish predators below. I've seen several large perch harrying fry that leapt out of the water in an attempt to escape.

Jim

Yes, I am sure that is what was happening Jim. Poor fish - under attack from below and above too. Out of the frying pan ....

Ron