Arctic Skua

Stercorarius parasiticus

Breeding in the far north of Scotland and up into the Arctic Ocean we only see these birds when they are making their migrations to and from their wintering grounds in the southern Atlantic Ocean.

Even then they usually stay well out to sea unless a strong southerly wind blows them in sight of land.

If the weather is really bad they will take a short cut across Ferrybridge to avoid having to fly round Portland Bill.

April and September are the best times to look for them cutting across Portland Harbour, but yoou're far more likely to see one off Portland Bill.