Long-tailed Skua/Jaeger Merseyside UK age needed (1 Viewer)

Yesterday I was late onto a Long-tailed Skua that flew past the house - it was an obvious LTS on build/jizz, and from behind/above and flying away, it was silvery grey uppered with striking B&W upper tail coverts, but beyond that I couldn't see any details

I assumed that it was a juv and called Hilbre to let them know it was coming and might even go behind them


Fortunately, they got onto it straight away [especially so since my call went to voicemail]

There are some excellent shots of it. The central tfs are long and pointed. There is a ghost of a cap.

1st summer is a really rare plumage in Europe, but is that what it is?

Photos by Phil Woollen on Hilbre

1st one larger

https://www.birdforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=703959&d=1567696133

Might the under-wing flash at the base of the primaries be somewhat extensive for LTS?

Cheers

For me, the beak, wings and tail indicate a Parasitic Jaeger.
Friendly
Jean

KenM said:

Might the under-wing flash at the base of the primaries be somewhat extensive for LTS?

Cheers

Click to expand...

It's the upper wing that matters though surely. Having blown up this picture I can see contrast between the flight feathers and upper wing coverts that you might expect on an adult bird.


Not being this year's bird would explain the central tail feathers.

Jane Turner said:

It's the upper wing that matters though surely. Having blown up this picture I can see contrast between the flight feathers and upper wing coverts that you might expect on an adult bird.
Not being this year's bird would explain the central tail feathers.

Click to expand...

Good reasoning. Agree to a LTS. I'm still thinking of a first year bird.
Jean

What a great looking bird!