Have you ever been out on a boat and noticed birds hovering around the front of it? It’s a common sight, but why do birds do this?
The answer lies in the fact that birds are opportunistic feeders. When they see a boat moving through the water, they recognize it as a potential source of food. The bow wave created by the boat stirs up small fish and other aquatic creatures, which the birds can then swoop down and snatch up for an easy meal. This is especially true if there are people fishing from the boat, as they will often throw bait into the water to attract fish.
In addition to providing an easy meal, hovering around boats also offers birds protection from predators. The bow wave created by the boat can act as a barrier between them and any predators that may be lurking in the water below. This allows them to feed without fear of being attacked or eaten by larger animals.
Finally, some species of birds may simply enjoy riding along with boats for fun. They may find it exciting to soar above the waves and feel the wind in their feathers as they fly alongside a vessel. It’s also possible that some species use boats as landmarks when navigating over long distances, so they may be drawn to them out of habit or instinct.
No matter what their reasons for doing so, it’s clear that birds find boats to be an attractive source of food and protection from predators. So next time you’re out on a boat, take a moment to appreciate these feathered friends who have decided to join you on your journey!