Long-tailed Skua - 1994

Scarce autumn migrant

Mathew (1894) noted an immature shot at Tenby in the autumn of 1889 or 1890. No more were recorded for nearly a century until one was seen at Strumble Head on 9 September 1980, since when it has been seen annually, with up to 17 per year occurring between 16 August and 14 November. Most of these have been at Strumble Head, but a few have occurred elsewhere, namely a single at the Smalls in September 1983 and two during September 1984, singles at Skomer on 11 September 1989 and 14 September 1991 and at Ramsey on 28 September 1992. Exceptional numbers were seen in 1991, between 7 September and 18 October, when a total of 74 was recorded at Strumble Head, with 18 on 15 September alone.  Juveniles are more frequently seen than adults.

Donovan J.W. & Rees G.H (1994), Birds of Pembrokeshire