Hi Tweeters,

Rhinos, Common Murres, and Marbled Murrelets have been showing up in
large numbers in the Wasp Island group in the San Juans. There are
large schools of bait fish with bird feeding frenzies everywhere. In
addition, there are lots of Harbor Seals and we have watched their
flipper smacking behavior at close range from our kayak and heard them
all hours of the night. This behavior is especially present near
schools of fish and the birds seem to be feeding on the remains of what
the seals eat. We have formulated several hypotheses for this behavior
and wonder if anyone knows of any research to support any of the
following:

1. Communication between groups of seals?
2. Territorial warnings between males and/or females?
3. Stunning schooling bait fish?
4. Play?
5. All of the above or other combinations?

We are doing an Earthwatch research project on Kangaroo Island,
Southern Australia in August. Luckily we have a couple of days in
Adelaide (August 10-11) before we head off to KI. Does anyone have any
birdo contacts in Adelaide or environs that would be willing to show a
couple of Yanks a few SA bird specialties? Thanks.

Don and Sandi McVay
Queen Anne
dmcvay at cmc.net