Pomarine Skua. Donna Nook NNR, Lincolnshire. DSC_8793.jpg
The pomarine jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus), pomarine skua, or pomatorhine skua,[2] is a seabird in the skua family Stercorariidae. It is a migrant, wintering at sea in the tropical oceans. This species breeds in the far north of Eurasia and North America. It nests on Arctic tundra and islands, laying 2–3 olive-brown eggs in grass lined depressions. Like other skuas, it will fly at the head of a human or other intruder approaching its nest. Although it cannot inflict serious damage, the experience is frightening and painful. This bird feeds on fish, carrion, scraps, smaller birds up to the size of common gull and rodents, especially lemmings. It robs gulls, terns and even gannets of their catches. Like most other skua species, it continues this piratical behaviour throughout the year, showing great agility as it harasses its victims. Only the Great Black Backed Gull, White-Tailed Eagle and Golden Eagle are known to take adult, healthy pomarine skuas. (Wiki)
This particular individual has a damaged leg and has presumably stopped off on migration for a prolonged stay at Donna Nook feeding on the Grey Seal "birthing bounty" at this seal colony, where a rich food source is plentiful. These birds normally have long tail streamers but they are missing in this individual.
Good to meet Stuart and Donna Allen and Paul Coombes and Paula Shipley again.
Thanks for viewing and for your comments and faves.
Pomarine Skua. Donna Nook NNR, Lincolnshire. DSC_8793.jpg
The pomarine jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus), pomarine skua, or pomatorhine skua,[2] is a seabird in the skua family Stercorariidae. It is a migrant, wintering at sea in the tropical oceans. This species breeds in the far north of Eurasia and North America. It nests on Arctic tundra and islands, laying 2–3 olive-brown eggs in grass lined depressions. Like other skuas, it will fly at the head of a human or other intruder approaching its nest. Although it cannot inflict serious damage, the experience is frightening and painful. This bird feeds on fish, carrion, scraps, smaller birds up to the size of common gull and rodents, especially lemmings. It robs gulls, terns and even gannets of their catches. Like most other skua species, it continues this piratical behaviour throughout the year, showing great agility as it harasses its victims. Only the Great Black Backed Gull, White-Tailed Eagle and Golden Eagle are known to take adult, healthy pomarine skuas. (Wiki)
This particular individual has a damaged leg and has presumably stopped off on migration for a prolonged stay at Donna Nook feeding on the Grey Seal "birthing bounty" at this seal colony, where a rich food source is plentiful. These birds normally have long tail streamers but they are missing in this individual.
Good to meet Stuart and Donna Allen and Paul Coombes and Paula Shipley again.
Thanks for viewing and for your comments and faves.