Interesting animal behavior is everywhere. To see it, all you have to do is sit in your backyard for ten minutes, and watch. You'll be amazed at some of the things you see and hear. Our collection of fascinating Long Island animal behavior footage has been growing. Thanks to Seatuck Board Member, Steve Terr, we're able to show you a few clips that we loved during the month of February. Feel free to email us with short clips of behavior you've taken yourself, but for now enjoy the next three, including Bobbi the snake and a special "squirrel session"!
Steve notes, "while reading Niko Tinbergen's classic work, The Herring Gull's World, I came a cross the description of a curious bit of behavior associated with this common bird. It was described as a, "...special reaction...," that Niko termed "paddling." This actual movement occurs when, "...the legs are lifted alternately..." in a rapid fashion, as the gull stands by the seashore. Strangely, he goes on to say that this is all the gull did while he watched it, "Nothing...was picked up..." Last week I was out at Robert Moses, Field 5, where I was delighted to observe a ring-billed gull engaged in this "paddling" activity. Even better, I had my camera with me which has a video feature and I was able to capture this behavior. Unlike Tinbergen, I think I can state that this bird was paddling for food. Watch the video and let us know what you think."
The footage of the gull paddling gets even better in the middle and towards the end.
Bobbi the red-tailed boa constrictor feeding on dead mice. Boas will constrict their prey to death before swallowing them whole. She only eats once every two weeks.
Finally, the long-awaited "squirrel session." Two eastern gray squirrels take turns copulating.
Let us know your thoughts and remember to send any interesting, short animal behavior clips you may have.
- Jessie
