Help in ID of a bird on a coastal walk (1 Viewer)

S

Sugarbabe

New member

• Aug 11, 2003

• #1

Whilst doing a coastal walk between Inverbervie and Johnshaven (25 miles south of Aberdeen) a bird flew in front of us coming from the land side.

The bird was kestrel size and was a distinctive brown all over but with a black head. There was no white at all on the bird, just brwon with a black head. It certainly looked like a bird of prey.

There was a family walking behind us with 2 children and the bird appeared to "divebomb" the kids.

I have searched my bird book but cannot find anything at all.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

steve_nova

Well-known member

• Aug 12, 2003

• #2

Skua perhaps?
http://www.erica.demon.co.uk/Strond/gulls.jpg

 

Last edited: Aug 12, 2003

steve_nova

Well-known member

• Aug 12, 2003

• #3

Juvenile bird (which is all brown) Here

 

Last edited: Aug 12, 2003

S

Sugarbabe

New member

• Aug 12, 2003

• #4

Thanks very much for your reply.

Yes I think you are right and it was an arctic skua. Should have realised that when it swooped low over the kids, but I was convinced it was a bird of prey.

I will have another look at your link form your 2nd reply when I get back from work as the pics aren't opening just now.

Cheers

 

J

jayhunter

Well-known member

• Aug 12, 2003

• #5

Was that page lifted from the RSPB field guide Steve? I found it quite good on the differences in the three varieties of Terns, which always confuse me when birding near to the sea.

 

steve_nova

Well-known member

• Aug 12, 2003

• #6

Hi jayhunter. No it wasn't though the rspb site is good and I looked at it just before this.:t:

 

Attachments

• 
  search.jpg

  125.7 KB · Views: 288