Quote:
Originally Posted by MIKE THROWER
A good mate sent me these not to good photos taken yesterday at sea from a ferry. What would you tell him it was???? AND WHY?
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A more extensive reply, which i think is needed.
On Pom the dark cap extends below the gape line. This can be seen well on this bird. On Arctic it stops at the gape line.
Pom has a much more well-defined breast band. An appreciably darker ventral area. A fuller bellied heavier appearance.
As the bird in this photo demonstrates, it is like an Arctic on steroids.
Between Common and Herring Gull in size.
The light blue dark tipped bill is obvious in these photos. This is more pronounced on Pom than Arctic, and can be apparent at ranges up to 300M as a distinct feature.
Don't let the lack of "spoons" fool you.
These are great photos of an post-breeding adult Pomarine Skua!
