ML128431421

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Initially seen as unidentified skua (called South Polar by some on boat) at ~07:36. We later chased and caught up to the bird. It as a Great Skua, which showed warm ginger-brown tones; the head showed a dark cap; and in some angles and good light showed gold-buff mottling on flanks and upperparts. The remiges appeared entire without obvious wing molt, esp. outer wing where primaries long and tapered. Bold white patch at base of primaries; broad wings; longish bill. Other observers got very good photos of the bird, e.g. this image by Doug Suitor: one of by L. Bevier: Photo analysis confirms that the initial sighting was the same bird thought to be a different individual (called South Polar). Only one bird was involved, however. See photo comparison by L. Bevier from photos by Tim Healey.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D

Lens

EF300mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x

ISO

160

Focal length

420 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/1600 sec

Dimensions

3060 pixels x 1913 pixels

Original file size

1.17 MB