With another autumn storm, Benjamin, arriving, there was once again a great opportunity to photograph seabirds. On October 29th, I hoped to spot one or more Little Auks that had been reported, but unfortunately none appeared during the time I had available in the late afternoon.
At the mouth of the Rhine near Katwijk, I waited for a Little Gull or Kittiwake to photograph in the surf. Suddenly, the gulls erupted in panic — always a good sign that a bird of prey or a skua is nearby. Sure enough, a juvenile Arctic Skua swept down into the flock, chasing a few Black-headed Gulls, though without success.
Afterwards, it landed briefly to rest, slightly sheltered but still exposed to the blowing sand. After a few minutes, apparently tired of the conditions, it took off again.
(Click below to enlarge the slideshow.)
