Probable Brown Skua at Deception Island IMG_0850

Skuas at Deception Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, February 2015.

About 25 skuas was present a Whalers Bay, resting on the Beach and washing in a freshwater pond up from the Beach. At least Three individuals showed very pale plumage, especially on the head, neck and breast/belly. These may be South Polar Skuas, but probably pale Brown Suas /Catharacta Antarctica). One individual was slightly smaller on direct comparison and even paler with shorter bill and was identified as South Polar Skua

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