On May 23 a dead and marked Harbor seal Phoca vitulina washed up on the North Sea beach of Rottumeroog. The seal got reported by us.
Greater Black-backed Gulls Larus marinus readily took advantage of the carcass.
Which we could observe from our office...
On May 24 this colour-ringed adult plumage bird showed up. Black J1038 also got reported by us and should originate from the south of Norway.
An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus eats from the carcass, while in front of a subadult Greater Black-backed Gull (May 25).
On May 26 this impressive immature male showed up and occupied the carcass for some time. It was also ringed, read and reaported. Black JP873, also from the south of Norway, presumably.
Then JP873 was forced to stand in line and wait until the older and even larger birds had taken their share. About 5-9 Greater Black-backed's were present near the carcass on a daily basis, in varying sizes and plumages.
But JP873 was impatient...
...and got his ass kicked by the big boss.
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