Frigatebird vs. Chimney Swift


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Posted by Alex on June 19, 2003 at 10:53:45:

Yesterday (Wednesday), was a slow day for birds with only 24 species. While I was in Morningside Park playing basketball with some friends, I noticed a lone swift working the field for mosquitos. It did that for about 30 minutes until a frigatebird only about 60 feet above us started chasing the swift. Not a bright idea. For about a minute the frigatebird kept up with the swift, and the birds both did movements in the air I did'nt even know birds could do. It looked like the frigatebird even did a barrel-roll. The frigatebird really had no chance so backed off. I have seen frigates hassle the odd tern or pelican, but not a land bird. It was just so incredible what capacity of the the movement in the air these birds have. It was like watching a cheeta chase a gazell, always zig-zagging every couple feet. Also, when looking for the Black-Whiskered Vireo, one of the adult Cooper's Hawks grabbed a rat a few feet from me. The domestic mallard I posted about earlier that showed up in the bay a few months ago is now living in the swamp with some Ibis.
I am surprised he adapted to this mangrove swamp, and will try to catch him and relocate him where I know some muscovys live.


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