THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
THE BIRDS OF SOUTH
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
SKUA SPP. - Stercorarius spp.
As with all reports of rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective rarities committees
The name Skua comes from Faroese 'skúgvur' and the island of Skúvoy which is renown for its colonies. Jaeger is derived from the German word 'Jäger', meaning hunter.
There have been eighteen unidentified Skua's reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1986: (1)
One was present on January 19th off Aust Warth.
1988: (2)
One was seen on February 9th off New Passage; One was noted on July 28th off New Passage.
1989: (1)
One was seen on October 29th off New Passage.
1990: (2)
One was seen on June 22nd off New Passage; One was present on October 30th off New Passage.
1992: (4)
One was noted on May 8th off New Passage; One was present on May 14th off New Passage; Two were seen on August 12th off New Passage.
1996: (1)
One was present on November 6th off Severn Beach.
1998: (1)
One was seen on January 3rd off Severn Beach.
1999: (2)
One was reported on April 24th off Severn Beach; One was seen on November 28th off Severn Beach.
2001: (3)
Three were present on April 5th off Severn Beach.
2003: (1)
One was watched on May 13th off Severn Beach.