Northern Fulmar (m)
Northern Fulmar / fulmarus glacialis. Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire. 28/04/25.
'STONE THROWING BEHAVIOUR.'
After shuffling into position, this male Northern Fulmar indulged in some fascinating pre-breeding behaviour. He repeatedly picked up tiny pieces of chalk from the base of the rock (ie: presumed nesting scrape), then threw them over his shoulder. His mate had flown from there a little earlier, but was watching him from a distant ledge.
I wondered if this behaviour was all part of a courtship ritual between the Fulmars and tried to research more about it. Sadly, I can find no specific reference, but have learnt males do play an active role in incubating the single egg and feeding the chick.
This is my favourite image, made during a very profitable day at Bempton Cliffs. If viewed large, you can see a small chalk stone is about to drop from the open beak. Also note the other stones around the bird's body that had already been thrown.
If anyone else has observed 'stone throwing' behaviour, I would love them to comment.
BEST VIEWED LARGE.
Northern Fulmar (m)
Northern Fulmar / fulmarus glacialis. Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire. 28/04/25.
'STONE THROWING BEHAVIOUR.'
After shuffling into position, this male Northern Fulmar indulged in some fascinating pre-breeding behaviour. He repeatedly picked up tiny pieces of chalk from the base of the rock (ie: presumed nesting scrape), then threw them over his shoulder. His mate had flown from there a little earlier, but was watching him from a distant ledge.
I wondered if this behaviour was all part of a courtship ritual between the Fulmars and tried to research more about it. Sadly, I can find no specific reference, but have learnt males do play an active role in incubating the single egg and feeding the chick.
This is my favourite image, made during a very profitable day at Bempton Cliffs. If viewed large, you can see a small chalk stone is about to drop from the open beak. Also note the other stones around the bird's body that had already been thrown.
If anyone else has observed 'stone throwing' behaviour, I would love them to comment.
BEST VIEWED LARGE.