Sunday, 26 July 2020

Battle of the skuas

Back down again last Sunday trying to find the LT Skua that had been reported about 5am but no sign  despite an 1.5 hour wait

 Long Tailed Skua

Still plenty to see with other skuas and waders about. On the cliffs lots of Fulmar with young and a few still with eggs. A few nesting Kittiwake and auks as well.

 Arctic Skua

Plenty of activity on Monday & Tuesday as both Arctic and the Long Tailed Skuas clashed. The LT Skua coming out on top, even chasing off a few Gt Skua and GT BB gulls

 Let the battle commence





On Tuesday  I was up on the hill by myself and had plenty of bird activity to keep me occupied. I could see the Long Tailed skua in an aerial battle with a couple of Arctic Skua. The LT doing a lot of calling as it dive bombed the other species



It seemed to be a lot quicker and more agile than the Arctic's

Having done its stint it moved off south out of sight and this seemed to be the pattern for the afternoon. In two hours it came back 4 times for around 10 mins each session. One time it came back with 4 Arctic Skuas chasing it.



Lots of Arctic Terns coming back with Sandeels, a good year for them, Several species of wader flew passed and several young Wheatear popped up to get a view in an old ruined croft. Gt Skua, GTBB and Greylags passed over


 Long Tailed Skua was always the winner


 LT Skua still present today

No comments:

Post a Comment