There were Narwhal in both Victor Bay three nights ago, and Arctic Bay in the early morning two days ago. We saw neither, but the last couple of evenings we have headed over to Victor Bay, checking just in case. Last night it was already midnight when we returned, and after we dropped off Leah's sisters and nephew we decided to head over to Uluksan for "a quick look". A quick look that ended up with us getting home some time after 1 am.
There were others there, and while everyone else busied themselves looking for lemmings, I busied myself looking out to sea, and for birds. Last year about this time there were Rock Sandpiper found here, so I stared at the rocky shore quite a bit. I kept hearing small peeps (the sound not the group of sandpipers) and finally saw, what I believe was a shorebird diving down to land at the shore.
I walked over to where I had seen it, scanning the rocks where it disappeared, but for the life of me I couldn't find it anywhere. When I lowered my binoculars I glanced down, and was startled to see a Qaqulluk or Northern Fulmar, sitting on the beach at the high tide mark not 20 feet from me. I was startled because (with the exception of their nesting on the cliffs up Admiralty Inlet) I've never seen a Qaqulluk on land, or even flying over land for that matter. They are true seabirds.
Although it sat preening itself I assumed it was injured, and sure enough scanning it with the binoculars revealed bare, red flesh at one of its wrists. I considered what to do as I called Travis over to have a look, keeping our distance knowing the species propensity to use projectile vomit as a defensive tool. The bird, tiring of our attention tried to make its way down the beach, but obviously couldn't motor very well.
I moved away a short distance to let it calm down and discovered that bird ended up on its back, unable to right itself. And while it looked quite relaxed in that position I decided projectile vomit be damned, I'm getting that bird.
As it turned out the bird didn't vomit at me, although it wielded its beak with great aplomb, until I managed to grab it and keep my fingers intact. The cause of it's distress was clear. It had fishing line tangled completely about it. There were strands around both legs, both wings, it's tail and even one looped around its neck. I know why my grandfather always carried a pocket knife.
I'd rant about leaving scrap fishing line lying about, but I imagine that I'd be preaching to the converted here. It causes untold numbers of bird deaths every year. Put your discarded line in your pocket, as you should all your garbage.
I carried the birds over to the others, where someone did have a pocket knife, and together we cut and unwrapped the line, and eventually freed the Qaqulluk. As nothing appeared broken and the bird, while stressed, seemed in good health, we left it to recover and hopefully avoid more fishing line, and land. Free to vomit defensively again as it pleased.
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6 responses
It was considerate of the fulmar not to vomit on you while you were helping it.
In my experience, birds seem to know that you are thre to help them. Wonderful story! The closest I’ve ever come to a N. Fulmar was to find two dead on the same beach here in Nova Scotia. You are my hero today!! ~karen
Your good karma has increased! I once untangled a starling from yards of black thread that had been strung through a cherry tree. It was unbelievable how much had gotten twisted in and around and under the feathers…
I thought so John.
I’m not sure about that Karen, it was pretty terrified, as would I be if a giant suddenly pinned my arms and carried me off. But the job got done none the less.
Perhaps it has Lesleigh. I imagine that with each time the bird struggles they become more and more enmeshed. Insidious stuff our discarded lines.
Awesome job Clare! I also make it a habbit to carry out fishing line that I find.
Thanks Dave. Yeah I often walk home with pockets filled with monofiliment. It would be much easier if the stuff was never left behind in the first place.