At the start of the trip we were on the back deck deploying our streamers. Suddenly during the night something akin to a small aeroplane came careering in towards the back deck and rather inelegantly flopped down on to the deck where we were working. Realising that it was not about to take off anytime soon it settled in under the transom on a bit of plywood for the night. It really wasn't all that bothered by the fact we were passing it and moving chains, ropes and winches by it and only ever got to it's feet a few times when someone approached too close.
It was decided during the night that for it's own safety we would remove it to an upper deck where when the mood took it it could fly off. Of course it needs either wind or a drop to take off so we figured it would be for the best. Like Magdalena, our resident pigeon, it obviously felt like enjoying the break from flying and sat on deck for the rest of the day. When I went back the next day it was gone.
What was interesting about this bird was the way it has grooves down it's beak from the nostrils along which salt water flows. Seemingly this is how it removes salt from it's body. Whilst it was on the plywood board it gathered quite a pool under the tip of it's beak.
We see quite a few of these down here in Brasil but generally from a distance. It was great to get so close to one. It's plumage is exquisite around it's head and neck; soft and fluffy. It's beak is enormous. I was just sorry that it wasn't an adult with the fantastically bright yellow stripe down the centre-top of it's beak.
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1 comment:
I read your blog and learned something new - interesting creature.
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