Hello
I need help with a 'Bird I.D.'. This morning while out walking along the beach/shoreline with my Wife and Family we saw what we thought was a 'Frigate Bird'. Now I fully understand that many people will be rolling around laughing at this suggestion but it is true.
The incident occurred at Murlough Bay ( A National Trust Property) near Dundrum in Co. Down, Northern Ireland. The bird in question was a large Gull type bird, dark in colour with long tail feathers. It appeared to be in the company of two other birds. However I only got a clear view of one bird. The weather was fine, sunny but windy. Visibility was very good and the tide was just about right in.
At the time of viewing the bird was approximately 30 meters away, perhaps a little less. It was fairly low down and flew in a leisurely fashion 'up wind' and into Dundrum Bay.
At the same time as we saw the bird a couple walking the beach also saw it and their immediate reaction was also to call it a 'Frigate Bird'.
My initial reaction when I first saw the bird and thought 'Frigate' was to think perhaps it was a gull of some sorts which had a piece of fishing line or perhaps a strip of plastic attached to its rear end, however as I observed the bird I realised that its flight action was in no way impaired an that they were indeed feathers.
If this wasn't a 'Frigate Bird', can some one please suggest an alternative.
Many thanks.
Hi Oldhand
Sounds to me like you've seen one of the skuas - probably an Arctic Skua.
Regards,
Iben
imm Gannet?