Through a change in our normal itinerary, we visited North Seymour Island this morning. It was truly a spectacular visit. We were fortunate to be able to spend time in front of a magnificent frigatebird colony, where males were displaying and shimmying for females. Their gular pouches acted also as echo chambers, the clicking of long, hooked bills turned into a hollow reverberation.
During our visit there were several occasions when frigates soaring overhead, keeping a sharp eye on all activity below, dove with precise speed and direction to intercept fish in the process of being regurgitated from adult booby to young. The slightest indication of excitement in the young blue-footed boobies, expressed when they first lay eyes on one of their parents returning, is like an alarm for the opportunistic frigates. They circle tightly to be prepared for the moment. The timing has to be perfect. Occasionally they successfully interfere in the regurgitation process, and are successful in taking the food before the young bird has a chance to swallow. Not all frigates deserve such a notorious reputation, as some do not find their meals in this fashion. Many fish successfully for themselves, plucking prey from the surface of the ocean, or perhaps cleaning up after a sea-lion birth. Opportunistic, definitely.
