| Sighting Ref : | IB224903 |
| Sighting Date : | 13 May 26 |
| Common Name : | Long-tailed Skua |
| Scientific Name : | Stercorarius longicaudus |
| Location : | Achill Island |
| County : | Mayo |
| Number Seen : | 3 |
| Principal Observer(s) : | Stephen Foster Not Specified |
| Reported By : | Not Specified |
| Comments : | I did a couple of sea watches from the coast in the Ashleam area of Achill. I had two flock of birds I reckon were Long-tailed skuas but I can't confirm. Sharing so others can consider looking at Galway, Mayo, Donegal. Opportunities don't happen very often; the last time the weather was decent was 2015! Although I can't confirm my identification, their identity as Long-tails was an immediate reaction for both flocks. 12:20-15:20. Long-tailed Skua - flock of 3 birds that appeared to be this species. Hanging in the air together just above the waves at long range during a blustery squall. They just looked dark in the murk with a hint of paleness on the chest. It was very strong winds and they dropped gently as though they were settling and allowed no further study. 18:17-20:47. Great Skua - 1 flying north Long-tailed Skua - A flock of slim birds (20-25) that appeared to be this species were drifting (eastwards) high against the pale evening sky at long range. They were hanging loosely together in the air drifting across one another so I couldn't get an accurate count. Earlier I'd seen some Kittiwakes rise quite high above the sea but they were directly above and linked too a big feeding flock. These looked like a party of birds that were travelling and had gained height to explore their options as they journeyed north against the strong northwesterly. I tried to get a record shot with my camera but couldn't pick them out and despite intense scanning for over an hour and a half I couldn't see them again. I suspect they dropped back down to sea level. I can't confirm the identification but sharing in case there's a significant event happening...it's bang in the peak migration window and winds are good for deflecting them our way. Update 18/05/2026: I did further seawatches at Achill Island on 14th, 15th and 16th May. On 16th May I was watching from Keem Bay. I had a flock of about 40 distant birds against the light that were flying high in a loose group and reminded me of the flock of 20-25 birds I'd seen on 13th. An inquisitive tourist diverted me from further study and photography. Soon afterwards another similar flock of birds passed closer and in decent lighting...these were Kittiwakes! So, on reflection, I suspect that the large flock of birds that got my pulse racing on the 13th were probably just Kittiwakes that had broken from their normal low-flying, tight groupings. I can add no further wisdom on the group of three birds that appeared to settle on the sea on 13th and I'm content to let that sighting stick as possible Long-tails. |
| Sea Watch Record : | Yes |
| Status : | See IRBC Appendix 2 |
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