From North Gare pier yesterday afternoon.
It's only really my second ever attempt to identify skuas, and I haven't found it easy! There were several at North Gare pier and nearby Seaton Snook, that I'm confident enough were Arctic, but also this one that I'm not sure about. I still think it's an Arctic, but I'd also like to know if my reasons for thinking this are correct.
These are all the photos I managed to get of it.
I'm not even sure if it's immature or adult, as apparently juvenile Arctics can be extremely dark. It's looks pretty chunky like a Pomarine, and I think its striking darkness, and lack of contrast on the hindneck are good (but not conclusive) for Pomarine (am I right about that? This comes from reading Helm guide and browsing eBird photos). I think the two very slightly protruding central tail feathers don't tell us anything, as they could be broken or moulted.
However, I think if it was Pomarine, at this range you'd be able to see a larger bill, and possibly more white on more of the upper primaries. Also, Pomarine is of course far less likely, particularly a very dark one.
Thanks very much!
James
It's only really my second ever attempt to identify skuas, and I haven't found it easy! There were several at North Gare pier and nearby Seaton Snook, that I'm confident enough were Arctic, but also this one that I'm not sure about. I still think it's an Arctic, but I'd also like to know if my reasons for thinking this are correct.
These are all the photos I managed to get of it.
I'm not even sure if it's immature or adult, as apparently juvenile Arctics can be extremely dark. It's looks pretty chunky like a Pomarine, and I think its striking darkness, and lack of contrast on the hindneck are good (but not conclusive) for Pomarine (am I right about that? This comes from reading Helm guide and browsing eBird photos). I think the two very slightly protruding central tail feathers don't tell us anything, as they could be broken or moulted.
However, I think if it was Pomarine, at this range you'd be able to see a larger bill, and possibly more white on more of the upper primaries. Also, Pomarine is of course far less likely, particularly a very dark one.
Thanks very much!
James
