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Seabird extravaganza

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The Severn estuary is usually fairly quiet when it comes to seabirds, but over the last couple of weeks the south-westerly gales have funnelled some great species well up into Gloucestershire. I've managed to catch up with Northern Gannets, Kittiwakes, Leach's Storm-petrels, Great Skuas and with out doubt the star bird, a pale morph Pomarine Skua.

The Skua was found last week and I only got round to making the short journey to see it this morning. The bird is currently making the most of an easy food source in the form of a sheep carcass which has been washed up on the shore. Between resting and feeding, it regularly flies out to harass the nearby gulls that roost under the Severn Bridge.

Other notable birds that have been reported recently include Sabine's Gull, Pacific Diver, Great Northern Diver and incredibly a Black-bellied Storm Petrel, which is potentially a first for Britain. It really is great to see exciting new wildlife turning up so close to home!