Skua drama ! Hamnavoe Bay, Orkney

In Hamnavoe Bay via the ferry crossing (Scrabster, Caithness - Stromness, West Mainland, Orkney) the drama and spectacle unfolded as great skuas Stercorarius skua chased, harassed and bullied the (Northern) gannets Morus bassanus in an attempt to induce the latter into disgorging their crops.

Morus Bassanus

Stercorarius skua

With a big nod to The Lizard Naturally Blog 15th June 2009

Photographs courtesy Alison Hogan

Gannet (Morus Bassanus L.); Dunnet Bay, Scotland

This stunning juvenile (Northern) gannet stood alone on the sands at Dunnet Bay, Dunnet Head, Caithness, Scotland - we watched as it remained unperturbed by closely passing walkers as well as a lone runner with his dog. The bird allowed me to approach within feet of it.

Adds: This seemingly odd behavior of a juv. gannet was witnessed for a second time at Skiall Bay, West Mainland, Orkney a few days later. Neither of the birds appeared distressed in manner or by the proximity of human or dog activity.

Photographs courtesy Alison Hogan