With the vast expanse of water in the valley at the moment, combined
with the recent high winds whipping up waves, you could be forgiven for
mistaking the Ings for the North Sea. However, a bird which is more at home on
the coast – a Great Skua – turned up unexpectedly at Wheldrake Ings on Thursday
morning, and was still present over the weekend. Birdwatchers in the UK will be more familiar
with this species as it migrates passed our shores in late summer and early
autumn.
Great Skua’s are rarely found inland, instead we would
expect to see them at sea, often harassing other sea birds to try and get them
to disgorge or drop their food in order steal a free meal. They will challenge
birds as large as a Gannet and predate on small birds like Puffins – this
aggressive behaviour has given them the nickname the pirate of the skies,
however regular birdwatchers will also know them more fondly as a ‘bonxie’.
They also show little fear of humans and will dive-bomb anyone who may dare to
approach their nest site. This is the fourth individual to have been recorded
in the LDV – the present bird may have been driven inland or across country by
the recent gales and storm ‘Henry’ that we have been experiencing lately. Many
thanks to local birder Trevor Walton for dropping into the NNR office to notify
us about the skua, and also for sending us the images below.
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