The Parasitic Jaegers employ a tactic known as kleptoparasitism as the birds chase down auks or gulls or in many cases above the Churchill River, Arctic terns. Jaegers harass the birds after they have procured a fish, usually capelin, until the frantic bird is so distressed that it drops its bounty toward the water in order to escape. The jaeger swiftly eats the bounty by catching it mid-air as the initial captor flies away.
Parasitic Jaeger with a capelin in mouth. Michel Windle photo.
The talented jaeger is able to maneuver with great speed in pursuit of its prey. The British Fleet Air Arms first naval dive – bomber, the Blackburn Skua was modeled and named after the parasitic jaeger. The bird can fly aptly into high winds by rapidly beating its wings and continuously shifting for buffeting purposes.The diet of the jaeger also includes small rodents and birds, eggs, insects and berries of the tundra. But hands down the most prosperous “prey” is the stolen one from other birds over the water. I witnessed many such incredible thefts as beluga whales churned up thousands of capelin over the Churchill River and Arctic terns plucked them from the water only to have them snatched by the jaegers.
The parasitic jaeger arrives in the north to breed in April or May and settles in loosely defined colonies. The female jaeger attracts a male through elaborate flying displays and some may mate together yearly while others choose new partners each season. Eggs are laid by June in the nests on the tundra and breeding pairs alternate nest watch. They protect the nest and young from predators by diving at the intruders at high speeds. As the juvenile jaegers are born, they leave the breeding grounds soon after in July. Breeding adults and fledglings remain through September at the latest.
Parasitic Jaeger over the tundra. Bill Coster photo.
When the time comes to fly south, they follow the coastline seemingly mimicing the paths of Arctic terns before heading farther out to sea. Most of this species winters near the South American coast or that of western Africa. The majority of immature jaegers will spend two years in the winter grounds before heading north to the bountiful northern habitats.
As the Churchill Arctic summer nears we will be anxiously awaiting the arrival of thousands of beluga whales, some with their calves, from the north. I can’t wait to see images from the season and all the other Arctic treasures around the tundra. Stay tuned for the fantastic experiences reported here throughout the summer.
Beluga whales will soon be all around the Churchill River estuary as summer nears! Alex De Vries Magnifico photo.
This fascinating view from space of the shimmering northern lights is unique though still nothing like seeing them in the open, cool air of the north country and Churchill, Manitoba! January through March is the peak time to see the spectacular northern lights right above you in Churchill. Head north next year and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience from the tundra!
Summer wildflower season in Churchill is still over the horizon, one filled with snow and cold, but a preview of some of the beautiful plants that adorn the rocky tundra and explode throughout the spring and summer is a good way to warm your soul. Exploring Churchill’s Arctic summer brings new discoveries as you walk the tundra and explore all the hidden places of the undulating landscape. Enjoy!
Round – leaved orchid in Churchill. Natural Habitat Adventures photo.
Fireweed in the grass. Rhonda Reed photo.
Fireweed on the Precambrian sheild. Steve Selden photo.
Polar bear in the fireweed in Churchill. Dennis Fast photo.
Fall colors starting to shine through. Ed Bouvier photo.
This short documentary on Whimbrels in Churchill is a wonderfully concise and informative look into how these amazing shorebirds are tracked, trapped and studied across the bountiful tundra of the north country. This video was a production of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Multimedia Department for use in its undergraduate thesis project. It’s a great inside look at the dedication bird researchers have when studying and documenting these creatures. Churchill’s Arctic Summer is an incredible open air laboratory
