Arctic Skuas are one of my favourite birds. Their swept-back wings, hooked beaks and pointed tail feathers make a distinctive silhouette. I spent many evenings with them this summer, watching them hunt Puffins for their fish.
As afternoon turned to evening, and evening turned to night, I could still see them, flying fast against fabulous skies.
Their hunt went on as I turned for home.
More Arctic Skuas
KleptoparasitismWhy bother fishing when you can steal another bird's fish? Arctic Skuas are adept at kleptoparasitism. I'm on Papa Westray… read more
Dropping in for a bathI'm crouching down on shattered bare rocks in the desolate far north of Westray trying to get a photograph of… read more
Dark morphArctic Skuas come in several different colour varieties. Here's the darkest: Aren't the feather patterns on its underwings beautiful? They're… read more
Incoming!We spent an amazing evening with the Scootie Allans of Westray. Arctic Skuas are beautiful, impressive birds, with sleek bodies… read more
A Scootie Allan attacking a MallimackA Scootie Allan attacking a Mallimack. An Arctic Skua attacking a Fulmar. A Stercorarius parasiticus attacking a Fulmarus glacialis. Dramatic, isn't… read more
Puffins chased by Arctic SkuasA Puffin's dinner is an Arctic Skua's dinner. Arctic Skuas are hunting Puffins for their fish on Westray and they're… read more
Juvenile Arctic SkuaThere's a juvenile Arctic Skua overhead. I'm getting amazing views. It's not from this year because it has very different… read more