I mentioned in an earlier post that I had noticed the Bar-tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica) on the Esplanade had, rather unusually, started feeding on the grass. This vigorous feeding has continued and I have seen the birds on the grass in different areas almost daily. I figure it must be a last ditch effort to fatten up prior to migratory departure. Following is a video I took in the heat of the day today.
Note the Common Myna (Sturnus tristis) capitalising on the situation. Two birds followed the godwits, almost in a Willie Wagtail type fashion chasing insects that were disturbed by them. You can actually see all the birds panting amongst the heat waves. Most birds such as the this Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles) utilising the minuscule shade produced by this palm, were not willing to brave the heat.
That was not the end of the strange godwits today. In between the group of birds feeding on the grass and others loafing on the mudflat, stood this bird — missing a leg. I can’t say for certain that it was excluded from the two groups, but it certainly seemed a little sickly.
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