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Antarctica
Picture Gallery - Other birds 9
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This
is a Giant Petrel, commonly known as a Geep, GP or to the old sealers as Stinkers. The latter name came from their habit, quite common amongst
sea-birds, of vomiting on any one or thing that approached them and seemed
to impose a threat.
They build the traditional antarctic nest of small
stones, but always seem to manage quite an impressive pile of them in
comparison to penguins for example. They spend much of their time
scavenging and are always to be found where there is a dead seal or whale
carcass. Sometimes eating so much that after a couple of aborted attempts
at taking off due to excessive baggage, the only remaining option is to be sick in order
to lighten the load. They are large birds the size of a turkey with a wing
span of 2 metres or more.
Paul
Ward - Pentax equipment, 100mm lens, 35mm film, K64.
This picture may not be copied or used in any manner without
prior written permission. |
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