hey Penny, yeah hadn't read your post before i started taking the pee but i hope me and Golley are cool and i'm sure he wouldn't mind me having a little giggle at him, i'll discuss it next time i see him.
In regard to the photo on the blog - its public domain! many people take photos off other peoples blogs - two reasons being to conclusively ID the bird or that it will raise an interesting ID debate and thats what this is, don't see anything wrong with armchair ID - after all we are all learning regardless of whether you're a Zen master or a young apprentice - you agree yeah?
In regard to the photo and the bird, the photo is not crap by any means and enough to iD the Skua to a specific species based on structure and some plumage, have a look at the Collins, i can't see any LTS features, behaviour is important too but maybe a Skua would act differently flying over land - i always base Skuas on those three things jizz, behaviour, plumage...
its just that LTS is now a description species so its important to get them right this year.
Dear All. Josh is correct in that LTS is a description species and all records will need to be submitted.
Clearly, what recent posts have raised is that small Skua ID is very tricky, particularly so, during the wind conditions and short views experienced during sea watches.
I would hope that nobody is trying to score points in recent exchanges! The observers (MG and EM) are very experienced. Their opinions on bird Id, I would rate very highly, much greater than my own. I would also comment, I did not see the bird concerned and must assume that Penny's photo is of the same bird that was called as a LTS.
Both Josh and David raise valid points. I do not think that either are trying to be unhelpful in any way. I am aware that Penny's photo has led to much discussion about small skua Id and consensus is that the photo is of an artic skua. The reality is that all "good birders" make mistakes - thats what makes them good birders!!! I am also aware that individuals can have different opinions on bird ID - that is what makes our hobby such fun!! I would also hope that where opinions are divided, that a healthy debate can be had by all those involved.
We all seek to improve our knowledge and want to be more skilled at our hobby - well at least I do!! I hope that Penny's photo can lead to some informed debate re skua indentification.
Happy seawatching!!!:cat::cat: