Sea bird behavior and what it tells us

[finchaser]

Here's the troll question of the week, either dark or finchaser can answer or anyone else who thinks he knows. I was out scouting the surf last week and looking for some new places to fish. I came across these birds sitting on the water. It was pretty warm that day the land must of been 60 degrees the water was about 39 (used a baby thermometer). Can anyone tell me why those birds were sitting on the cold water instead of the warm sand? Herring or shad under them? Maybe sandeels? This was by an inlet btw. thanks

Birds sit on the water the last place they either see bait or feed on it waiting for it to surface again

[DarkSkies]

^ You people don't know what a bird expert the OGB is.....he has an extensive collection of bird pics......
And can spot tuna chicks at sea miles before anyone else can.....

[baitstealer]

Birds sit on the water the last place they either see bait or feed on it waiting for it to surface again

Thank you for that. Can anyone answer what it means when they are not sitting on the water but grouped up tight on one beach area. Does that mean bait is in the area as well? thanks!

[finchaser]

1)no means there is no bait to eat they face into the wind to get the scent of something to eat .
2)sounds like sea gulls, nor do they follow fish schools as they will eat almost anything including garbage
3)sea birds very seldom sit on land and follow bait and fish schools

[storminsteve]

Thanks for that finchaser. I have gone back and referred to this thread every winter. You guys have a lot of great threads here. Ever thought of a "best of" section? Thanks for all the tips and hints.

[seamonkey]

^^^ X2, some great info on these posts. Thanks guys.

[surfrob]

^^^^ X3, late to the game, but great thread!

[porgy75]

Does anyone know why the cormorants and the other birds leave in the winter and only the black ducks are around? Does it have something to do with migration or is it that all the food leaves and most of the birds with it? Have always been curious about this, thanks.

[baitstealer]

Birds sit on the water the last place they either see bait or feed on it waiting for it to surface again

Thank you for this thread, very informative and I have learned a lot.