Birds of the Tamar
in order from left to right…
Great Comorant – (Phalacrocorax carbo)
‘The common Comorant, or Shag, lays its eggs in a paper bag.’ Actually, this occurs exceptionally rarely, when there aren’t a sufficient number of loose twigs and high trees or cliffs in the area. And anyway, this is a Great Comorant, not a common one!
Pacific Gull – (Larus Pacificus)
First examined from a drawing by Thomas Watley in 1802. The local aboriginal name was recorded as Troo-gad-dill. Looks humorous with a whole cheetos in its beak. Hangs around beaches by itself, looking suspicious.
White-faced Heron – (Egretta novaehollandiae)
Raids suburban fish ponds. Although it usually gobbles, High pitched wrank, oooooooooh or aaarrrgh calls are given as alarm calls. Both birds help build the nest and share breeding responsibilities. Looks much more graceful with its neck out.
Silver Gulls – (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae)
The orange-ity of the beak reflects the age of the bird. Partial to fish and chips, and much more likely to get this coveted prey if they only have one leg. Well-developed street cred and attitude.