Zeearend Haliaeetus albicilla vangt verzwakte jonge kleine mantelmeeuwen Larus graellsii op Rottumeroog

On 30 and 31 August 2001, an immature White-tailed Eagle was seen feeding on apparently weakened juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the Wadden Sea Island of Rottermeroog. During this time of the year, juvenile Herring and Lesser Black- backed Gulls Larus argentatus and L. graellsii reside in the tidal zone, of which many are in poor condition. Although the adult gulls were still present, the eagle was not being attacked vigorously. Remains of the eagle’s prey were scavenged by Magpies Pica pica. Altogether, seven young Lesser Black-backed Gulls were found as prey of the White-tailed Eagle. The latter stayed on the island from 28 August through 7 September 2001.