Saturday 7 June 2014

7th June 2014 Beachy SE1 and overcast

Gannet c.35W
Scoter 10W
Arctic Skua 1E and 1 lingering
Sandwich Tern 12E
Swift 15W



Third-summer pale morph Arctic Skua off Birling Gap
Whilst its head pattern, body plumage, upperwings and tail projections are similar to an adult its pale median underwing coverts form a striking mid-wing line confirming its immaturity. As its remaining underwing coverts appear uniform lacking barring it would seem most-likely a third-summer.