Strange Behavior

[Joe Senzatimore]

In all the years I have been photographing the nesting colonies , I have seen Terns , Skimmers and Oyster Catchers kill each others chicks when they get too close to the nests. Today this Skimmer took a Skimmer chick from the colony and dropped it in the ocean. It was very much alive when taken and there is no way of knowing if it belonged to this Skimmer or another. Very strange to see.
Not the most artistic image and not great light as it happened just as we were leaving , but wanted to share it anyway.

400 ISO f5.6 at 1/1250th
Plus 1/3

[LouBuonomo]

That was strange.. poor little guy was kicking until it was dropped.

[Grace Scalzo]

Yes, as it is supposed to be, but certainly difficult to observe.

[Alan Murphy]

Hey Joe, sad story. A good documentation shot for sure.

[Don Hamilton Jr.]

Thks for sharing had no idea of this interaction. Tells the story nicely!
Don

[allanrube]

+1 - after shooting chicks and seeing the "cute" angle of many posts here this is sad.

[Hendri Venter]

Wow, very stange behaviour. TFS.