As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, the first skua arrived on 18th Oct. The poor guy arrived alone and still continues to be alone. Since then 2 more skuas have arrived on 25th Oct. They are a pair. Skuas being territorial animals, return to the same nesting place year after year. The first skua was born at Trishul and returned at the same place. The other 2 were born at Maitri and returned here.
Lets name the first skua Shankar (since he was born near Trishul) and the other 2 skuas as Aish and Abhi since they form the perfect couple. Shankar is a loner. He is detested by Aish and Abhi. These 3 skuas are never seen together because Aish and Abhi always chase Shankar away whenever he tries to get close to them. Whenever Shankar is nearby, Aish & Abhi turn their heads skywards, spread their wings and begin to squawk at the top of their voices. Poor Shankar turns away in flight. All 3 spend a large part of their day on the snow piled up in front of Maitri. They are often seen pecking at the snow to quench their thirst. The snow is filthy with their droppings all over. At night they return to their nesting places.
Though all 3 are permanent residents of Maitri, they are still scared of us. They fly away whenever anyone tries to get too close to them.
There is another skua at the Novo runway. This one has been pampered hopelessly. There is plenty to eat & drink there and plenty of people to offer him all kinds of non veg food. Tourists adore him as he is the only living creature they are likely to see for the entire duration of their stay in Antarctica. He is fully domesticated and does not mind if people take him in their hands. We met him when we went to the runway to see of one of our team members on 1st Nov. He was at the airport last year as well.
The breeding season will start soon. But we will be back home before the young ones hatch.
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