Week 15, 13 Apr 06 - Falaika Island

Whilst Pekka and Brian were out in the desert, I took my family on the last day of school holidays, on the ferry from Salmiya to Falaika Island. Images by Mike Pope

There was a mix of Lesser crested Terns in both breeding and non-breeding plumage following the turbulence created by the ferry looking for some scraps. This bird in breeding plumage was calling in flight

Non-breeding or juvenile Lesser crested Tern

Another non-breeding or juvenile Lesser crested Tern

An acrobatic White cheeked Tern harassing a Lesser crested Tern

A satisfied White cheeked Tern having successfully chased off the Lesser crested Tern

I managed to capture the Arctic Skua as it took off to escape the passing ferry

I have only added these images now, as the id of this seabird did provide some challenges (and initial excitement). It has now been confirmed as an intermediate phase Arctic Skua

There were many Red throated Pipits on the island, this one was caught having a bath in a puddle from the overnight rain