Here is an e-mail from my boss about the arrival of the Skuas:
We’ve had our first official skua sighting for the season. Skua? What’s that you say? They are a very large scavenger bird similar to large brown sea gull. They are big (up to a four foot wing span) and have a large, sharp, hooked beak (“All the better to eat you with my dear”) and strong sharp claws on their feet. They hide on buildings and pounce down on unsuspecting people (ESPECIALLY those carrying food that is visible to them – blue trays and bowls/plates of food are their prime hunting ground) or circle over head and swoop down from behind you before flipping around your shoulder to confront you face-to-face. Sometimes they have bonked you on the back of the head and then swoop quickly around to the front and snatch something away all before you ever knew it was coming.
Be aware they are here. Watch the skies for them if you’re carrying something. Let someone in front of you know if you see one coming in for a grab.
We laugh, and if you aren’t their intended victim, it can be quite the site to see. However, all joking aside – these are large, strong, aggressive birds. It’s not uncommon for at least one or two people to end up in Medical with stitches to their head, face or hands.
It is against the Antarctic Treaty to defend yourself/harm these birds. Instead, try to avoid the problem to begin with!
Please be cautious and avoid making yourself an easy target!
Also, watch your step – as the snow starts to melt and we transition into “Mud Season” skuas can often been sitting on the ground in direct line of foot traffic. They are fairly well camouflaged and generally do not move out of your way.
Finally, they also next in the rocks near Roll Cage Mary and the Hut Point Ridge Loop Trail. Watch your step and use caution – if they have eggs or chicks they can be even more aggressive.
 |
| Skua!! |
