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Strange Great Egret behaviour

luckydogluckydog Registered Users Posts: 396 Major grins
edited March 20, 2009 in Wildlife
Okay, firstly my apologies for being absent from DGRIN for sooo long.

This is an Australian Great Egret (which may explain the blokey behaviour). I observed this guy fishing and sat to watch to wait for a photo op in case he caught anything, when he stopped for a minute and started what appeared to be dry retching. Then a funny noise and out hacks this big lump of clear, viscious fluid. It was very thick and stretched all the way to the water before dislodging. After the episode he returnd to his fishing. I am not sure what is happening and have several experts on the case. Does anyone know? Has anyone seen this before?

491661552_uVwwz-L.jpg
http://darrylluckphotography.smugmug.com

40D
18-55mm, 28-105mm USM II, 50mm f/1.8, 400mm f/5.6

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    HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited March 19, 2009
    I've seen it before a number of times. Sometimes its after eating and they swallowed somethin they coudl not digest. I have also seen tehm do it after preening themselves.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
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    luckydogluckydog Registered Users Posts: 396 Major grins
    edited March 19, 2009
    I was thinking it was something to do with undigestible oils or fats from their prey. Just like owls regurgitate pellets.

    Thanks Harry.

    I will pass on your observations to the guys researching this and If/when I hear what the exact scientific reason is, i'll be sure to let you know :)
    http://darrylluckphotography.smugmug.com

    40D
    18-55mm, 28-105mm USM II, 50mm f/1.8, 400mm f/5.6
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    bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited March 19, 2009
    Upchucking (cause I can't spell the other one) is common among almost all birds.

    I'm not expert enough to explain in detail.

    In my last Post "Stealthy" 3 image is Egret doing same.

    Good catch on your part thumb.gif
    Benjamin
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    luckydogluckydog Registered Users Posts: 396 Major grins
    edited March 19, 2009
    I have just received an e-mail about this behaviour from the Australian Museum. They believe that...

    "the Egret has eaten something unpleasant, possibly poisonous, venomous or stinging. The Egret will then produce large quantities of saliva to help get rid of the responsible substance from its system."

    So it's the birdy version of sticking a couple of fingers down your throat :D
    http://darrylluckphotography.smugmug.com

    40D
    18-55mm, 28-105mm USM II, 50mm f/1.8, 400mm f/5.6
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    stevehappstevehapp Registered Users Posts: 635 Major grins
    edited March 20, 2009
    Hello Lucky!!!111!!!

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    Canon 40D, 50mm f/1.8, 400mm f/5.6L, sigma 105mm Macro.
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    hTrhTr Registered Users Posts: 361 Major grins
    edited March 20, 2009
    I've seen the Behavior in many Birds, Raptors are probably the Most Frequent!!!
    gary
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